Gwon Yul facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gwon Yul
Born	28 December 1537
Died	6 July 1599
Allegiance	Joseon Korea
Battles/wars	Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–98) Battle of Haengju

Gwon Yul (Hangul: 권율; Hanja: 權慄; December 28, 1537 - July 6, 1599) was a brave Korean Army General. He was the top commander, known as the Commander-in-chief, for the Joseon Dynasty in Korea. He led Korean forces against Japan during the Japanese invasions of Korea (also called the Imjin War).

General Gwon Yul is most famous for the Battle of Haengju. In this battle, he defeated a huge Japanese army of about 30,000 soldiers with only 2,800 of his own troops. His clever strategies and strong leadership helped protect Korea during a very difficult time.

Early Life and Career

Gwon Yul came from a very important family called the Gwon clan of Andong. His father, Gwon Cheol, was like the Prime Minister of Korea. Even though his family was powerful, Gwon Yul did not start his career until he was 46 years old.

In 1582, he got his first job in the Korean government. He was promoted several times, eventually becoming the mayor of Uiju in 1591.

During the Japanese Invasions

When Japanese forces invaded Korea in 1592, Gwon Yul was made the mayor of Gwangju in Jeolla province. He was also put in charge of the military in that area. Gwon Yul and his soldiers tried to join the main Korean army heading towards Seoul. However, the main army was defeated by the Japanese at Yongin. Gwon Yul managed to lead his troops back to Gwangju and gathered about 1,000 local fighters.

Battle of Ichi

Japanese troops in Geumsan started moving towards Jeonju. Gwon Yul quickly moved his army to Ichi, which was an important pass leading to Jeonju. About 10,000 Japanese soldiers, led by Kobayakawa Takakage, attacked Ichi.

Gwon Yul's 1,000 men fought bravely and won the battle. Gwon Yul was very strict, even punishing soldiers who tried to run away. His brave commander, Hwang Jin, kept fighting even after being shot. This victory helped Korea take back control of the Jeolla province.

Siege of Doksan

The Korean government recognized Gwon Yul's bravery and made him the new governor of Jeolla province. The next year, Gwon Yul led an army of 10,000 soldiers to Gyeonggi-do to try and take back Seoul. Local fighters and monks joined him, increasing his army to about 20,000 men.

Gwon Yul's troops set up camp in Doksung fortress near Suwon. Japanese forces, led by Ukita Hideie, surrounded the fort for a month. Gwon Yul's army started running out of water. One day, Gwon Yul had a clever idea. He ordered several war horses to be brought onto the fort wall. He then had them washed with grains of rice. From a distance, it looked like the horses were being washed with plenty of water. The Japanese, who were waiting for the Koreans to run out of water, lost hope and retreated to Seoul. Gwon Yul chased them, causing over 3,000 Japanese casualties. After the war, King Seonjo of Joseon built a monument on Doksung called Semadae, meaning "the place where horses were washed," to honor Gwon Yul.

Battle of Haengju

After the Siege of Doksan, the Korean government ordered Gwon Yul to march north and fight the Japanese in Seoul. Gwon Yul and his men set up camp in the old fortress of Haengju near Seoul. His forces were joined by local fighters and monk soldiers, but his total army at Haengju was still only about 2,800 men.

Japanese commanders Katō Kiyomasa and Ukita Hideie felt threatened. They attacked Haengju fortress with 30,000 men, hoping to destroy Gwon Yul's troops for good. The Battle of Haengju began early on February 12, 1593. The Japanese, armed with muskets, surrounded the fortress and launched many huge attacks.

However, Gwon Yul's forces and the people inside the fortress fought back very hard. They threw rocks, arrows, iron pellets, burning oil, and even molten iron at the Japanese. Koreans also used special weapons like hwachas (fire carts that shot many arrows) and explosive cannon shells called bigyeokjincheolloi. The Japanese suffered over 10,000 casualties, and their top generals were wounded. They were forced to retreat and fled the area. This battle was one of the three greatest Korean military victories during the Seven-Year War. The others were the Battle of Hansan Island and the Siege of Jinju.

After the Battle of Haengju

After the Battle of Haengju, Gwon Yul kept his position. Later, he became the Dowonsu, which means the Commander-in-chief of all Korean forces. He was briefly removed from his job because he was very strict with soldiers who ran away, but he was put back in charge the next year.

He ordered Admiral Won Gyun to fight the Japanese in the Battle of Chilchonryang, which the Japanese won. However, Admiral Yi Sun-sin later defeated the Japanese navy in the amazing Battle of Myeongnyang. In 1597, Gwon Yul and a Chinese commander planned to fight the Japanese in Ulsan, but the Chinese commander-in-chief told them to pull back. Gwon Yul then tried to attack the Japanese in Suncheon, but the Chinese again said no.

After the War

After the war ended, Gwon Yul retired from all his jobs. He passed away on July 6, 1599. After his death, he was given the special title of Yeonguijeong, which was like being the Prime Minister. He also received the Ildung Seonmu Gongshin award, the highest honor for generals who fought in the Japanese invasions. Yi Sun-sin and Won Gyun also received this award.

Gwon Yul is remembered in Korean history as one of Korea's most successful and patriotic military leaders.

See also

In Spanish: Gwon Yul para niños