Won Gyun

Who was Won Gyun?

Won Gyun was a Korean general and admiral during the Joseon Dynasty. He is best known for his campaigns against Japanese during Hideyoshi's Invasions of Korea. Won was a member of Wonju Won family, which was well known for its members' military accomplishments. He was born in 1540 near Pyeongtaek, and demonstrated his skill as warrior at a young age. He was qualified as a military officer, and was first assigned to the northern border to defend against the Jurchens, who frequently raided Korean villages. Won led many successful campaigns along with Yi Il and Yi Sun-sin against the Jurchens. After considerable accomplishments on the northern frontier, he was promoted to admiral in 1592 and sent to the southern coast of Gyeongsang Province to command the province's Western Fleet, along with Yi Sun-sin, who became admiral prior to Won and took command of Jeolla Province's Eastern Fleet. At the time, both Won and Yi were cavalry leaders who had no experience with naval warfare.