"The One Who Rules the World, Mends the Sky, and Cleanses the Sun"... Exhibition Sheds Light on 'Human Yi Sun-sin' Beyond Trials and Hardships (Comprehensive)

Special Exhibition "Our Yi Sun-sin" at the National Museum of Korea
Largest-Ever Display of Yi Sun-sin’s Handwritten "Nanjung Ilgi" in Korea

"Yi Sun-sin possessed the ability to govern the world and achieved feats such as mending the torn sky and cleansing the clouded sun." - Ming Dynasty General Chen Lin

A video installation is being screened at the entrance of Special Exhibition Room 2 on the first floor of the National Museum of Korea's permanent exhibition hall. The video hints at the fierce storm of the Imjin War that is about to break out. Photo by Seo Mideum

At the entrance of Special Exhibition Room 2 on the first floor of the National Museum of Korea's permanent exhibition hall, where the largest-ever special exhibition on Yi Sun-sin is being held, this quote draws visitors' attention. When King Seonjo asked General Chen Lin, who had returned to China after fighting alongside Admiral Yi Sun-sin against Japan during the Imjin War, about Yi Sun-sin, Chen Lin expressed his deep respect with these words.

This exhibition focuses on records left by Yi Sun-sin himself, such as the Nanjung Ilgi (Yi Sun-sin's war diary, National Treasure No. 76, covering the years 1552-1598) and the Imjin Jangcho (copies of military reports submitted by Yi Sun-sin to the king). It goes beyond portraying him as a war hero, offering a multidimensional look at Yi Sun-sin’s inner life, emotions, and his evolution into a symbol shaped by his era.

The exhibition features a total of 258 artifacts and 369 items, including six national treasures comprising 15 pieces such as the Nanjung Ilgi, Imjin Jangcho, Seogan Cheop, and Jingbirok, as well as 39 treasures comprising 43 items such as the Cheonja Chongtong and Jija Chongtong cannons. This is the largest Yi Sun-sin exhibition ever held in Korea. Additionally, 20 artifacts and 34 items from the Yi Sun-sin family estate are being unveiled in Seoul for the first time.

Nanjung Ilgi. Photo by Seomideum

The exhibition is organized into four sections that weave together Yi Sun-sin’s victories, hardships, reflections, and posthumous legacy: ▲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 remembered him.

Artifacts preserved by Japanese daimyo families during the Imjin War are also being displayed in Korea for the first time. Daimyo were regional lords who led the Japanese invasion of Joseon during the Imjin War. The exhibition includes the helmet and spear of the Tachibana Muneshige family, a gold-leaf decorated helmet, the gold-painted folding screen "Battle of Ulsan Japanese Castle" from the Nabeshima Naoshige family, as well as portraits and wooden statues of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Curator Seo Yunhee explained, "In Japan, daimyo are considered almost divine, so borrowing these artifacts was extremely difficult. In Korea, there has also been a taboo against exhibiting daimyo artifacts, as they were the main aggressors during the Imjin War. However, we hoped to encourage a different, more academic approach."

Also drawing attention is the folding screen Jeongwaegigongdobyeong, which commemorates the Ming army’s victory over the Japanese during the Jeongyu War. Until now, the first and second halves of this screen had been kept separately at the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities in Sweden and the National Museum of Korea, but this exhibition marks the first time they are displayed together in one space. The first half depicts the Ming army’s land and naval forces departing from Shanhaiguan and being welcomed in Hanyang, as well as Admiral Yu Jeong attacking Konishi Yukinaga at Yullim. The second half shows the Ming army attacking Suncheon Japanese Castle, the Battle of Noryang, and a victory banquet in Hanyang. Although originally painted in China, the use of gold pigment, the brushwork outlining the mountains, and the proportions of the figures suggest it was copied in 19th-century Japan.

Immersive video being screened inside the exhibition hall. Photo by Seomideum

The immersive video installation is also a major highlight. The introductory video vividly conveys Yi Sun-sin's resolve as he faces war, set against powerful ocean imagery. The exhibition visualizes the weaponry used by Yi Sun-sin and the Joseon navy, dramatically depicting tactics such as Dangpa (destroying enemy ships with large cannons like the Cheonja, Jija, Hyeonja, and Hwangja Chongtong), barrages of bullets and arrows, and Bunmyeol (annihilation) strategies using gunpowder weapons.

There are also interactive experiences for children. In the learning space outside the exhibition hall, titled "Our Yi Sun-sin Through the Senses," children can create multicolored print postcards, watch videos, and connect the exhibition to their own experiences and memories. Multisensory activities using touch, hearing, and sight are available for all visitors, and anyone with an exhibition ticket can participate in the learning activities.

During the winter vacation, three educational programs for children and families will be offered: "Yi Sun-sin's Story Told by Children," a program where children act as guides; "Sortie! Break the Code," an exploration of the exhibition hall while learning about naval tactics and signal codes; and "Children's Golden Bell: Ring the Bell," a quiz and commentary program based on the exhibition.

From the left of the photo, the first and second halves of Jeongwaegigongdobyeong. Photo by Seomideum.

This exhibition also highlights Yi Sun-sin’s warm humanity. Curator Seo Yunhee said, "After his victories, Admiral Yi Sun-sin did not indulge in triumph but immediately submitted military reports (Imjin Jangcho) to the king, striving to record the achievements of everyone from generals to slaves fairly. He provided medicine and leave for the wounded and ensured that the families of the fallen had means to survive. He always knew exactly what needed to be done in wartime and took responsibility for everyone who served with him. I hope this exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on those qualities."

Director Yoo Hongjun stated, "Admiral Yi Sun-sin is an unparalleled commander with a record of 23 victories in 23 battles, but little is known about how thoroughly he prepared in advance. The navy prepared cannons, Panokseon warships, and turtle ships, and adopted the mindset of 'Those who seek to live will die, those who seek to die will live.' I hope this exhibition serves as a record of encouragement and support for everyone striving to overcome difficulties."

The exhibition runs until March 3 next year. Admission is free for one week after opening (until December 4), and also on December 16, the anniversary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s death.