Admiral Yi Sun-sin, known posthumously as Chungmugong, is celebrated as a national hero who saved Korea from the brink of collapse during the Japanese invasions of the Imjin War. This conflict was an international war in which Joseon and Ming China allied to repel Japan’s invasions. Beginning in the 25th year of King Seonjo’s reign (1592), Japan launched two major invasions of Joseon, the first breaking out in the year of Imjin, hence the name Imjin War . Admiral Yi personally commanded every battle he fought, achieving an unprecedented record of consecutive victories unmatched in world naval history. His strategies are so renowned that they continue to be studied in naval academies in the United States, Britain, Japan, and beyond. So closely linked are Admiral Yi and the turtle ship ( geobukseon ) that one is often invoked in reference to the other. Even today, a turtle ship is displayed near the statue of Admiral Yi at Gwanghwamun in Seoul. Japanese soldiers once called it mekura bu...
This folktale depicts the story of two old men with lumps and their encounter with goblins. In one scene, the kind old man sings to the goblins, “Shine, shine, bright moon, the same moon that Li Taibai once played under,” delighting them with his song. Moved by his gentle nature, the goblins remove the lump from his face. Later, however, the greedy and ill-tempered old man attempts to imitate him, hoping for the same reward. Instead, angered by his behavior, the goblins punish him by attaching yet another lump to his face. This tale contrasts kindness and greed, teaching the timeless lesson that good-heartedness is rewarded, while selfishness leads to misfortune.