All Records of Yi Sun-sin Gathered in One Place After 400 Years... Largest-Ever Exhibition

Including the Original Manuscript of the "Nanjung Ilgi"
First Seoul Exhibition of 34 Artifacts from the Yi Sun-sin Family
Artifacts from Japanese Daimyo Families of the Imjin War Unveiled for the First Time

The records and artifacts of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who defended the nation in times of war, are being gathered in one place. From the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary) to weapons and relics, this is the largest-ever exhibition offering an in-depth look into the life and inner world of the hero.

Fragments of a large cannon retrieved from the Noryang Sea area. Courtesy of the Naval Academy Museum

The National Museum of Korea announced on November 27 that it will host a special exhibition titled "Our Yi Sun-sin" in Special Exhibition Room 2 on the first floor of the permanent exhibition hall until March 3 next year, in commemoration of the 480th anniversary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birth and the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation. Admission is free for one week after the opening (until December 4), as well as on December 16, the anniversary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's death.

This exhibition centers on records left by Yi Sun-sin himself, such as the Nanjung Ilgi and Imjin Jangcho, and sheds light on his inner self and emotions as a human being, as well as his image as a symbolic figure shaped by his era, going beyond his status as a war hero.

Janggeom Sword of Yi Sun-sin. Provided by the National Heritage Administration, Hyeonchungsa Management Office

A total of 369 items from 258 cases are on display, including 15 pieces from 6 National Treasures such as the Nanjung Ilgi, Imjin Jangcho, Seogancheop, and Jingbirok, and 43 pieces from 39 Treasures, including the Cheonja Chongtong and Jija Chongtong cannons. This is the largest Yi Sun-sin exhibition ever held in Korea. In addition, 34 artifacts from 20 cases belonging to the Yi Sun-sin family will be unveiled in Seoul for the first time.

The exhibition is organized into four sections, weaving together Yi Sun-sin's victories, hardships, reflections, and posthumous remembrance into a single narrative. The sections cover: ▲ preparations for war before the Imjin War ▲ the Battle of Myeongnyang and the Battle of Noryang ▲ Yi Sun-sin's personal life ▲ and how later generations have remembered him.

Artifacts preserved by Japanese daimyo families during the Imjin War will also be unveiled in Korea for the first time. These include a helmet and spear from the Tachibana Muneshige family, a gold-embellished helmet, the gold-colored folding screen "Battle of Ulsan Japanese Castle" from the Nabeshima Naoshige family, and portraits and wooden statues of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

The "Jeongyegigongdobyeong," a folding screen decorated with paintings created by Ming forces to commemorate their repulsion of Japanese troops during the Jeongyu War, also draws attention. Until now, the first and latter parts of this folding screen have been kept separately at the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Sweden and the National Museum of Korea, but this exhibition will present them together in one space for the first time.

Immersive video content is also a highlight. The introductory video vividly conveys Yi Sun-sin's resolve as he faces war, set against images of the sea. The exhibition visually depicts the weaponry used by Yi Sun-sin and the Joseon navy, showcasing the overwhelming tactics of breaking through enemy ships with large cannons (Cheonja, Jija, Hyeonja, and Hwangja Chongtong), bombarding with bullets and arrows, and finally, the annihilation tactic using gunpowder weapons.

Jeongyegigongdobyeong (Latter Part). Provided by the National Museum of Korea

There are also hands-on experiences for young visitors. In the learning space outside the exhibition hall, "Our Yi Sun-sin Through the Senses," visitors can expand their experience and memories by creating multicolored print postcards and watching videos. Multi-sensory activities utilizing touch, hearing, and sight are available for everyone to participate in, and anyone with an admission ticket can join the learning activities.

During the winter break, three educational programs for children and families will be offered. These include "Yi Sun-sin Stories Told by Children," a program with child docents; "Sortie! Break the Code," an exploration of the exhibition hall that teaches naval tactics and signal codes; and "Children's Golden Bell: Ring the Bell," a quiz and commentary program based on the exhibition.

Yoo Hongjun, Director of the National Museum of Korea, stated, "I hope this special exhibition will serve as a record of encouragement, supporting the hearts of all those who wish to overcome adversity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.