Busan Dongnae Eupseong Imjin War History Museum: A Place to Experience the History of War

The Busan Dongnae Eupseong Imjin War History Museum is uniquely located within a subway station. This is because a moat was discovered right at that site. A moat is a deep, wide ditch surrounding a fortress, designed to defend against enemy invasion. Standing on the very ground where battles of the Imjin War took place and viewing the exhibits made the horrors of war feel even more real.  

The Busan Dongnae Eupseong Imjin War History Museum sheds light on one of the greatest crises of the Joseon Dynasty, the Imjin War (also known as the Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592-1598). This museum focuses on the battles and historical events that occurred in the Dongnae region during the war, commemorating the defense and resistance spirit of the Joseon people during the fierce battles at Dongnae Eupseong (Dongnae Fortress).

1. The Historical Significance of the Imjin War and Dongnae Eupseong

The Imjin War was a large-scale conflict between Joseon Korea and Japan, and Dongnae Eupseong was one of the critical battlegrounds of the war. After the Japanese forces landed in Busan, Dongnae Eupseong became a key defense point where the Joseon military and local militias united to protect the region. The battle that took place here symbolized Joseon’s determination to resist the Japanese invasion. Song Sang-hyeon, the magistrate of Dongnae, along with his soldiers, fought to defend the fortress until the end, and their sacrifice and courage are remembered to this day.

2. Exhibits at the Dongnae Eupseong Imjin War History Museum

The museum meticulously documents the battle at Dongnae Eupseong during the Imjin War and presents various exhibits that illustrate the historical background and the course of the conflict. These exhibits include weapons, military strategy maps, and armor used by both the Joseon and Japanese forces. In addition, stories of the individuals who sacrificed their lives and materials that honor their spirit of resistance are displayed, allowing visitors to vividly experience the tragic events of the Imjin War.

A standout exhibit is the Dongnae Eupseong Battle Diorama, which realistically recreates the battle scene, giving visitors a strong sense of immersion. Through this visual representation, visitors can better understand the harrowing experience of the 16th-century war at Dongnae Eupseong.

3. Science in Warfare: Joseon’s Defense Technology

The defense of Dongnae Eupseong was not only based on military strategy but also incorporated the scientific technology of the time. The Joseon forces used gunpowder weapons and bows to fend off the Japanese invaders. The fortress walls and defensive structures of Dongnae Eupseong were part of a defense system that integrated Joseon’s architectural knowledge and scientific advancements. The museum also features exhibits that explain these scientific defense techniques and military strategies, helping visitors understand the role of science in warfare.

Weapons and Military Strategy Unearthed at Dongnae Eupseong

At the Dongnae Eupseong Imjin War History Museum, numerous artifacts related to the weapons and military strategies used during the Imjin War have been uncovered. These artifacts provide invaluable insights into the battle tactics of both the Joseon and Japanese forces. Below are some key details about the weapons and strategies highlighted in the museum.

(1) Discovered Weapons

The various weapons excavated from Dongnae Eupseong offer a glimpse into the military technology and combat methods of the time. The differences between the weapons used by the Joseon and Japanese armies had a significant impact on the nature of the battles.

✔ Bows and Arrows: The most commonly used weapon by the Joseon army was the bow and arrow. Joseon archers were renowned for their excellent archery skills, and their ability to shoot arrows accurately over long distances played a crucial role in the war. Joseon’s archery prowess, or gungsu, was particularly effective during the Imjin War and was a key factor in battles against the Japanese.

✔ Hwapo (Cannon): Another significant weapon used by the Joseon forces was the hwapo, a cannon-like device that used gunpowder to launch heavy stones or metal projectiles at the enemy. The hwapo was utilized in the Battle of Dongnae Eupseong, inflicting significant damage on the Japanese forces.

✔ Spears and Swords: In close combat, spears and swords were frequently used. The Joseon soldiers effectively wielded these weapons in hand-to-hand combat with the Japanese forces. The long spears, in particular, allowed the defenders to strike from a distance, providing an advantage in defensive situations.

✔ Japanese Weapons: Arquebus: The primary weapon of the Japanese forces was the arquebus, a type of musket introduced to Japan from the West. The Japanese made extensive use of this gunpowder weapon during the Imjin War. The arquebus allowed them to hit targets accurately from long distances, making it a formidable threat to the Joseon defenders. In the Battle of Dongnae Eupseong, the Japanese relied heavily on arquebuses to break through Joseon’s defenses.

(2) Military Strategies

Due to Dongnae Eupseong's strategic importance, the Joseon forces employed a variety of military strategies to defend the fortress.

✔ Fortress Defense Strategy : Dongnae Eupseong’s structure was designed to take advantage of its geographical features. The walls stretched across both flat and mountainous terrain, making it difficult for enemy forces to penetrate. Defensive structures such as pavilions, bastions, and turrets were strategically placed along the fortress walls to block the enemy’s advance effectively. The Joseon forces used these defensive positions to delay and repel the attackers.

✔ Use of Bows and Cannons: The defenders on the fortress walls used bows and cannons to fend off the assault. Skilled archers stationed on the walls shot arrows at the advancing enemy, while cannon operators used gunpowder weapons to keep the Japanese forces at bay. This strategy slowed down the enemy’s advance and provided the Joseon defenders with time to regroup.

✔ Guerrilla Tactics: Instead of engaging in large-scale frontal battles, the Joseon forces employed guerrilla tactics to harass the enemy and spread their forces thin. Quick-moving soldiers conducted surprise attacks on the Japanese, disrupting their operations and creating confusion within their ranks.

✔ Concentrated Defense: The Joseon forces focused their defense on key entry points such as the fortress gates and major roads leading into the fortress. They also set up traps around the fortress to slow or prevent enemy forces from reaching the walls.

The Spirit of Resistance at Dongnae Eupseong

The battle at Dongnae Eupseong during the Imjin War was fiercely fought, and the resistance led by Song Sang-hyeon, the magistrate of Dongnae, remains a symbol of Joseon’s determination to resist the Japanese invasion. Despite being vastly outnumbered, Song Sang-hyeon and his soldiers fought bravely to defend the fortress. He famously refused to surrender, declaring, “I would rather die than submit,” before being killed in battle. His sacrifice embodies the spirit of resistance that the museum honors and preserves.

On April 14, 1592 (lunar calendar), after the fall of Busanjinseong Fortress, the Japanese army advanced toward Dongnae Fortress, riding the momentum of their victory. The Japanese forces set up camp at Chwibyungjang (present-day Dongnae Police Station) and sent around a hundred soldiers to the South Gate, where they erected a wooden plaque inscribed with a message.

The plaque left by the Japanese army in front of the South Gate read, "If you want to fight, then fight; if not, lend us a path." In response, Dongnae Governor Song Sang-hyeon wrote on the plaque, "It is easier to fight and die than to lend a path," and threw it back at the Japanese forces, expressing his resolute determination to fight to the death.

The Busan Dongnae Eupseong Imjin War History Museum vividly conveys the fierce battles between the Joseon and Japanese forces during the Imjin War, using the discovered weapons and military strategies to provide a detailed understanding of the conflict. The bows and cannons of the Joseon army and the arquebuses of the Japanese army were key elements that determined the outcomes of these battles, and the exhibits at the museum offer visitors a chance to engage deeply with this history.

This museum serves as an essential reminder of the defense of Dongnae Eupseong and the spirit of sacrifice and resilience of the Joseon soldiers. It offers valuable insights into both the military and scientific advancements of the time, providing a comprehensive view of this critical period in Korean history.