The Myeongnyang Battle Festival: A Celebration of Valor and Victory in Haenam

When we’re planning a trip in Korea, we often plan them around a cool festival. With most festivals based around either food or some part of history in Korea, there are a lot of things to learn and eat. The Myeongnyang Battle Festival (명량대첩축제), held in Wando-gun around Uldolmok, is a vibrant and meaningful celebration that honors the spirit of Jeolla-do’s people and the heroic and well-known Korean General Yi Sun-shin. This annual event commemorates the remarkable victory in the Battle of Myeongnyang. If you haven’t heard of it, fear not, that just means you have more to learn and some place new to visit.

The Myeongnyang Battle Festival is a great reason to go and explore more of Haenam-gun:

• How To Get There
• Where To Stay
• Historical Backdrop of Myeongnyang Battle
• Festival Area and What to Expect
  • Highlights of the Festival
  • Explore The Area
• Learn More Through Movies
  • Roaring Currents

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How To Get There

Address: 12-36 Gwangwang Leisure-ro, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 해남군 관광레저로 12)

By Public Transportation: To get to this spot directly, take a KTX Train to Gwangju Station. From there, catch an intercity bus to Nokjin Bus Terminal and from there, you can catch a number of buses right to the tourist grounds.

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Where To Stay

Hotel Hyundai by Lahan Mokpo

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Historical Backdrop of Myeongnyang Battle

In the annals of Korean history, the Battle of Myeongnyang stands out for strategic genius and the unwavering courage of the warriors. Fought in 1597, under the command of Admiral Yi Sun Shin, a mere 13 Korean ships faced off against a formidable fleet of 133 Japanese vessels led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

In the Myeongnyang Strait, there is a peculiarity to the flow of the water. The tide flows one direction and then switches direction every three hours. Because the strait is narrow, the Japanese ships which had keel bottoms instead of flat bottoms like the Korean boats here, were unable to flank the Korean boats and then began to float into each other becoming easy targets when the tide shifted.

Despite the overwhelming odds, Admiral Yi’s tactics and the resilient spirit of his crew led to a miraculous victory.

Historic Side Note: Most of us have learned about Admiral Yi Sun Shin in relation to the geobukseon (거북선), or Korean turtle ship, which helped repel the Japanese during the Imjin War. However, the famous turtle ships were not utilized during the battle of Myeongnyang at all so you won’t see them in the reenactment.

This victory is credited not only to Admiral Yi’s leadership but also to the local residents of Jeolla-do, who supported the navy with supplies and assistance, showcasing a remarkable example of unity and patriotism.

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Festival Area and What to Expect

The Great Battle of Myeongryang Festival takes place in the scenic regions of Haenam and Jindo, in Jeollanam-do, right at the historical site of the battle. It’s a really nice area to visit.

Highlights of the Festival

• Reenactment of the Myeongnyang Battle: The highlight of the festival is the reenactment of the battle with boats and everything. There’s lots of smoke and fireworks that unfold. Witness the strategic brilliance of Admiral Yi Sun Shin as he led his outnumbered fleet to victory against the Japanese forces.
• Cultural Performances and Events: With 13 main events and 34 stage performances, the festival showcases traditional Korean culture, including a Jindo dog show, traditional performing arts, and Pungmulnori, a Korean folk music tradition. You’ll want to check out the schedule when you arrive to know where to be when to see it all.
• Hands-on Experience Events: Visitors can engage in various interactive activities, such as making General Yi Sun Shin masks, writing quotations of the general, flying Chungmugong signal kites, and even crafting Panokseon ships, offering a unique way to connect with Korea’s maritime history.

Explore The Area

If you’re waiting for the shows and activities, you can walk across the Jindo Daegyo Bridge and head up the hill to the Jindo Tower. If you’ve got the legs, walk up. If not, there’s a cable car to get up to the views too. There are some great things to see in this touristic area. Be sure to check out:

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Learn More Through Movies

If you want to learn more about the historic background and understand what you’re watching, consider watching a Korean film based around these epic events.

Roaring Currents

More than a historical epic; it’s a story of underdog triumph, showcasing how strategic brilliance, courage, and the will to fight against the odds can alter the course of history. Portraying Admiral Yi Sun-sin is Choi Min-sik, known for his intense and captivating performances, embodying the admiral’s heroic resolve and strategic genius.

As the tides roar and the battle unfolds, viewers are taken on a breathtaking journey through one of the most pivotal moments in Korean history, where the legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-sin is immortalized, reminding us of the power of leadership and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of insurmountable challenges.

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