User:Gyeongmin Koh/sandbox

Turtle Ship, Geobukseon
Turtle Ship Hunminjeongeum 거북선

The Turtle Ship was manufactured between at the end of Goryeo and in the early of Joseon-Dynasty. According to the record, shortly before the Imjin war, the Admiral Yi sun-shin resurrected the Turtle Ship. It is considered the first ironclad warship in the world.

According to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, the Turtle Ship was first recorded in 1413 May during the reign of King Taejong(13th). King Taejong caught the Turtle ship when passing by Imjingang River port. 2 years later, apparently it is said the Turtle ship substantial with armored exterior. For the next 180 years, not much of Turtle ship was reported to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty. After that, in 1592, the Turtle Ship was reported in Nanjung Ilgi which is commander Yi's diary in Imjinnyeon, the year of the Dragon. On February 8th on Nanjung Ilgi, it is reported that 29 of sails were set on the Turtle Ship. According to the Nanjung Ilgi, the first day to fired the cannon is March 27th of Imjinnyeon. It is said that May 29th was the first day to enter fight which was the Naval battle of Sacheon on the same year.

However, the Turtle Ship that General Yi improved, it has only reported about physical strength. Not much of the measurement of the ship, which is essential for repairing was reported in detail. Thus, it is not the exact size of the Turtle Ship during King Taejong's reign and after the resurrection from Commander Yi. During the Imjin war, the Turtle Ship took the main role in charge. After the battle, its shape has changed, the Turtle head was equipped instead of Dragon head. The actual size of the ship was exactly measured.

Feature of Turtle Ship
Paddles and sails were mainly used for sailing. In particular, sails were used for long distance. The main role of the Turtle Ship was to rush into the ranks of the enemy. Separately, the captain was taken order from Commander Yi. During the battle, the Turtle Ship was always the first to rush into the enemy. The enemies couldn't attack the Turtle Ship due to its features. There were spears equipped on the upper exterior and rifles were firing from each sides. Thus, the Turtle Ship was freely attack the enemy even in enclosed position. This exterior feature had attributed many victories over the fight.

During Imjin war, about 130 crew members were boarded inside of the Turtle Ship. Based on the recorded time, the speed was about 3.75 mi/h. Practically, the Turtle Ship was too strong to be defeated by any attacks that couldn't be compared to any of those in 16th century.

In the early of Imjin war, the Turtle Ship was fixed to be solid. However, the Turtle Ship was almost destroyed at the Battle of Chilcheollyang. After the Imjin war, the Turtle Ship was to be designed and reconstructed. In 1980, the Korean Navy restored the Turtle Ship and has floated in the offing of the Naval Academy.