Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s Greatest Military Hero

Admiral Yi Sun-sin died 425 years ago today, in his final victory against the Japanese on behalf of the Joseon dynasty. He died of a gunshot wound at the Battle of Noryang on December 16, 1598, the closing battle of … Continue reading

Today in History – Hendrick Hamel, the Sparrow Hawk and the Hermit Kingdom

On August 15th, 1653, the Dutch East India Company ship, Sperwer (Sparrow Hawk), was shipwrecked on Jeju Island off the southern coast of Korea.  Thirty six of the sixty four crew survived. One of the survivors was the ship’s book keeper, Hendrick … Continue reading