Conflict12 February 1593(Lunar)

Battle of Haengju

Gwon Yul repelled an assault by more than 30,000 Japanese troops on Haengju Fortress, with townspeople carrying stones to the defenders.

The original Haengju Victory Stele, erected in 1602 to honor Gwon Yul
The original Haengju Victory Stele, erected in 1602 to honor Gwon Yul

IRTC1015 · Public domain · Source

After Pyongyang was retaken, the Ming army was beaten at Byeokjegwan and pulled back, while the Japanese massed their troops in Hanyang. Gwon Yul, Inspector of Jeolla, marched north to help retake the capital and in the second month of 1593 camped in Haengju Fortress above the Han River with some 2,300 soldiers, monk soldiers and civilians.

On the 12th, more than 30,000 Japanese under Ukita Hideie, Konishi Yukinaga and others attacked in seven waves. The defenders answered with Byeon I-jung’s hwacha rocket carts, singijeon fire arrows and bows. When arrows ran low, Jeong Geol, Naval Commander of Chungcheong, brought fresh supplies by boat. A popular story says women carried stones in their aprons, giving rise to the word "haengju chima" (apron), though the word is in fact older.

The Japanese withdrew with heavy losses and in the fourth month abandoned Hanyang for the south coast. Gwon Yul was made commander-in-chief for his victory.

The map in 1593

OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

States and rulers at the time
Joseon · victor — Seonjo
Japan · defeated

People

  • Gwon Yul1537 – 1599

    commander · Joseon general who routed the Japanese at Haengju and became commander-in-chief

Before and after

Later
1593 Peace Talks

Themes that include this event

  • Imjin War1592 – 1598

    From the Japanese invasion to the Battle of Noryang — the righteous armies, Yi Sun-sin at sea, and Ming intervention