First Battle of Jinju Castle

Timeline

1. 1592Jinju Castle · JinjuAfter the Battle of Hansan Island, the Japanese could not enter Jeolla by sea and instead attacked Jinju by land. Jinju controlled the Nam River and the key route from Gyeongsang to the Jeolla granaries. Hosokawa Tadaoki and Katō Mitsuyoshi led some 20,000–30,000 men to besiege it; Kim Si-min defended with about 3,000 troops and newly acquired matchlocks, with soldiers and civilians manning the walls together.
2. 1592Walls of Jinju Castle · JinjuThe Japanese scaled ladders day after day; defenders repelled the climbers with matchlocks, stones, rolling logs, and firearms. After about three days of fighting Kim Si-min was shot in the head and could no longer command, and the Japanese intensified their assault on the north gate area. Ammunition in the city ran low, but the defenders did not break. Guo Zaiyou and other righteous army fighters lit fires and blew horns outside, creating the appearance of a large relief force approaching.
3. 1592Jinju Castle · JinjuSigns of supplies and reinforcements appeared along the Nam River, and Hosokawa's forces, deep in enemy territory with inadequate support, lifted the siege. The Jeolla granaries were temporarily preserved and Joseon army morale soared. Kim Si-min soon died of his wounds. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was furious at the defeat, planting the motive for revenge that led to the Second Battle of Jinju in 1593. This entry does not cover the second fall of the city.