2025, Vol., No.135

military history 2025 KCI Impact Factor : 0.84

pISSN : 1598-317X / eISSN : 2713-8992
https://journal.kci.go.kr/imhc

After unifying the Later Three Kingdoms, Goryeo began to assert direct control over local societies and implemented measures to incorporate them into the centralized national order. As part of this process, the Juhyeongun(州縣軍) was restructured, with command authority becoming exclusive to designated officer positions. The guiding principle behind this reorganization was to prevent any particular social class from monopolizing military authority. Accordingly, restrictions were introduced to ensure that individuals holding other titles could not interfere with the command of the Juhyeongun. The Juhyeongun could not maintain its full listed troop quota mobilized within the region at all times. Troops were organized into rotating shifts and periodically dispatched to perform guard duties in the capital or other designated areas. As a result, the number of active soldiers in a given locality did not correspond to the figures recorded in the Juhyeongun section. Considering those on duty and those resting between rotations, the actual number of troops present in the region was significantly reduced. This limited deployment reduced the need for a large number of commanders, resulting in a relatively simplified command structure for the Juhyeongun. Nevertheless, given its multiple functions, including those in peacetime, personnel were still required to direct and oversee troop movements. Since the officer corps remained stationed in their respective regions, subordinate leaders known as Gidu(旗頭) assumed these operational responsibilities. This illustrates one aspect of the Juhyeongun’s operational structure.

This study examines the career of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin of Joseon, focusing on changes in his bureaucratic rank (Pumgye). It has been believed that his career was marked by repeated promotions and demotions. He was appointed Manho (4th rank) in 1580 and 1586, yet historical sources place him at the 6-8th rank before and after his tenure as Manho. This appears inconsistent, as abrupt changes in rank were not permitted within Joseon’s bureaucratic system. As young military officers often served in the role of Manho under the title of Gwongwan, it is suggested that Yi held the position of Gwongwan, acting Manho. It is highly unlikely that he held the 4th rank at that time. Additionally, his appointment as a regional magistrate (6th rank) should not be interpreted as a demotion. Many magistrates held ranks higher than 6th, and such a post was a prerequisite for further advancement. Finally, the recent claim that Yi was demoted again in 1597 is found to be unsupported by historical evidence. This study concludes that Admiral Yi likely did not suffer any demotion throughout his career. Rather, he appears to have been consistently promoted based on his competence and merit. These findings contribute to a revised understanding of Joseon’s military personnel policy.

The Panokseon was a representative warship of the Joseon Dynasty, leading naval victories alongside Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War. However, despite its historical significance, it has been overshadowed by the Geobukseon (Turtle Ship), resulting in relatively limited research. In particular, no surviving examples of the Panokseon exist today, and historical records from the time do not provide clear details on its structure or shipbuilding techniques. Consequently, existing studies have largely relied on textual interpretations. This study aims to supplement previous research by examining historical documents, paintings, and archaeological evidence from the Goryeo and Joseon periods, as well as records of warships from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties of China. By doing so, we systematically analyze the Panokseon’s hull structure, scale, and shipbuilding techniques from a more detailed and multidimensional perspective. Additionally, we investigate the placement and structure of oars by analyzing historical data on Korean oared warships. Based on this research, we reconstruct the shape and structure of the Panokseon during the Imjin War. Furthermore, we develop design schematics and conduct model-making experiments to infer the Panokseon’s original form.