Joseon Turtle Ship

Timeline

1. 1413–1450Joseon southern coast naval bases · Southern CoastThe Annals of King Taejong record a 1413 proposal by the Minister of War that the court examine and improve turtle ships; the Annals of King Sejong also record that in 1415 Left Naval Commander Kim Ryeogyeon reported to the king on turtle ship drills against Japanese vessels, indicating turtle ships had reached the stage of practical testing by this period.
2. 1451–1460Joseon Three Provinces Naval Command · South Gyeongsang ProvinceDuring the reigns from King Munjong to King Sejo, the royal house continued to emphasize coastal defense; turtle ships, as special naval warships, remained in coastal patrol and anti-pirate drill formations. King Sejo also presided over multiple military reforms and strengthened the navy, during which turtle ship technical specifications were systematically compiled, preserving institutional and artisan lineage for later improvements.
3. 1592–1598Joseon southern and western seas · South SeaLeft Naval Commander of Jeolla Yi Sun-sin completed the improved reconstruction of the turtle ship before the Japanese invasion of 1592, featuring iron-plated turtle-shell roofing, multiple side guns, and a dragon-head bow that emitted smoke; in naval battles at Hansando, Myeongnyang, and elsewhere he repeatedly defeated the Japanese navy, effectively severing Toyotomi Hideyoshi's maritime supply lines, making the turtle ship an iconic warship in Joseon military history and world naval history.