Battle of Danghangpo explained

Conflict:Battle of Danghangpo Harbor
Partof:Imjin War
Date:12 July 1592
Place:Goseong or Jinhae, Korea
Result:Korean victory
Combatant1:Japanese fleet
Combatant2:Joseon
Commander1:Kato Kiyomasa
Ikoma Kazumasa
Emperor Go-Yōzei
Commander2:Yi Sun-sin
Yi Eokgi
Won Gyun
Strength1:26 ships
  • 9 large ships
  • 4 medium ships
  • 13 small ships
Strength2:51 warships
Casualties1:26 ships[1]
Casualties2:?

The Battle of Danghangpo was a naval engagement during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–98) that resulted in Korean victory.

Background

After the Battle of Dangpo, Yi Sun-sin spent the next few days searching for Japanese ships. He was then joined by Yi Eokgi on 12 July 1592, increasing the total number of Korean warships to 51. That same day I Sunsin received a report that the Japanese fleet had been sighted near Danghangpo. He immediately sailed towards Danghangpo to confirm it himself. Anchored in the harbor of Danghangpo were 26 Japanese ships, including another flagship.

Battle

The Korean fleet assumed a circular formation to navigate the enclosed bay and took turns bombarding the Japanese. Realizing that this would only force the Japanese to flee inland, I Sunsin ordered a false retreat. Falling for the ploy, the Japanese fleet gave chase, only to be surrounded and shot to splinters. A few Japanese managed to flee to shore and take refuge in the hills. All the Japanese ships were destroyed.

Aftermath

The Korean fleet spent the next few days searching for Japanese ships but could not find any. On 18 July the fleet was dissolved and each commander returned to their respective ports.

Bibliography

Notes and References

  1. Hawley, p. 204