SOUTH BANK TAEKWONDO: INFORMATION
INFORMATION: History - Joseon
Joseon: 1392 A.D. - 1910 A.D: King Taejo (or Yi Sung Kye), founder of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392 A.D. He replaced Buddhism with Confucianism as the state religion. According to Confucianism, the higher class should study the poets and play music. Martial arts were something for the common man. Subsequently, during the Joseon Dynasty, more emphasis was placed on the literary arts than on the martial arts. Perhaps, it was out of this shift in emphasis that the first martial arts textbook was published in 1790 A.D. It was written by Lee Duk Moo by order of King Chongjo. The fourth volume contains 38 illustrations that portray each subakki technique that are identical to today’s taekwondo poomse. It became more popular among the general public where previously it had been monopolized to a degree by the military in the preceding Koryo Dynasty.
The greatest ruler of the Joseon Dynasty was Taejo’s son, Sejong (1418 - 1450 A.D.). During his reign Hangul was introduced, which is an independent Korean alphabet.
This statue picture above depicts the great Korean commander, Admiral Yi Sun-shin, dressed in an armoured suit and holding a sword.
Throughout Korea, statues of Yi can be seen, usually towering over all other objects. The reason his prominence is quite simple - Yi is Korea's most famous military leader and one of its most beloved historical figures.
Joseon: 1392 A.D. -
The greatest ruler of the Joseon Dynasty was Taejo’s son, Sejong (1418 -
This statue picture above depicts the great Korean commander, Admiral Yi Sun-
Throughout Korea, statues of Yi can be seen, usually towering over all other objects. The reason his prominence is quite simple -
Born April 28, 1545, Yi became a military officer in 1576 and served at various Army and Navy posts. In 1591, he was appointed commander of the naval forces in Left Cholla province. It was at this command where Yi left his mark in Asian history. Yi began training his men for the possibility of war and also began developing the kobukson, more commonly known as the turtle ship. Believed to be the first ironclad warship, the turtle ship had it’s upper deck covered with armoured plates, as well as knives and spikes to deter enemies from boarding. The ship's main weaponry included externally mounted cannons and guns. With these preparations made, Yi's forces were ready when Japan invaded Korea in 1592.
Repelling the invading Japanese with a series of victories, Yi's forces prevented Japan from colonizing Korea. For his superior leadership and tactical abilities, Yi was given command of the entire Korean fleet. However, in 1597, he was falsely accused of disloyalty and demoted to the rank of a foot soldier.
In 1597, Japan launched a second invasion and succeeded in almost destroying the Korean Navy. Faced with almost certain defeat, the Korean government reinstated Yi as commander of the few remaining ships. Leading 13 Korean turtle ships against 133 Japanese ships, Yi's forces sank 31 enemy ships and made the rest flee. With this victory, Yi's place as a brilliant military leader was etched forever in the history of Asia.
Unfortunately for Yi, he was not able to celebrate his momentous victory. During the final stages of the last battle in 1598, he was hit by a bullet and died soon afterwards. His legacy, however, continues to live on.
He remains an inspiration to all Koreans. His great patriotism and achievements inspired Korean people to fight for their independence and freedom. That spirit still lives in Korean people today.
With regard to the martial arts of Korea, it was during the Joseon Dynasty that subakki became an important national sport and attracted attention from both the royal court and the general public. However, in the later half of the Joseon Dynasty, it’s importance decline due to internal political struggles of the royal court which was constantly disturbed by feudal lords encouraging the development of literature and painting to the expense of the martial arts. As a result, subakki remained merely as a recreational activity for ordinary people.
Repelling the invading Japanese with a series of victories, Yi's forces prevented Japan from colonizing Korea. For his superior leadership and tactical abilities, Yi was given command of the entire Korean fleet. However, in 1597, he was falsely accused of disloyalty and demoted to the rank of a foot soldier.
In 1597, Japan launched a second invasion and succeeded in almost destroying the Korean Navy. Faced with almost certain defeat, the Korean government reinstated Yi as commander of the few remaining ships. Leading 13 Korean turtle ships against 133 Japanese ships, Yi's forces sank 31 enemy ships and made the rest flee. With this victory, Yi's place as a brilliant military leader was etched forever in the history of Asia.
Unfortunately for Yi, he was not able to celebrate his momentous victory. During the final stages of the last battle in 1598, he was hit by a bullet and died soon afterwards. His legacy, however, continues to live on.
He remains an inspiration to all Koreans. His great patriotism and achievements inspired Korean people to fight for their independence and freedom. That spirit still lives in Korean people today.
With regard to the martial arts of Korea, it was during the Joseon Dynasty that subakki became an important national sport and attracted attention from both the royal court and the general public. However, in the later half of the Joseon Dynasty, it’s importance decline due to internal political struggles of the royal court which was constantly disturbed by feudal lords encouraging the development of literature and painting to the expense of the martial arts. As a result, subakki remained merely as a recreational activity for ordinary people.
Admiral Yi, Sun-Shin (1545-1598 A.D.) Korea’s most famous and inspirational military leader.
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