I asked AI how Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea is described in Korean history books.

1 Introduction

　Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Joseon(Korea) in the history books of Joseon, especially in the Joseon Dynasty Jitsuroku (朝鮮王朝実録) and Senso(Seonjo) Jitsuroku (宣祖実録) and Ranchu Nikki (乱中日記) by Lee Sun-sin(Ri shun sin 李舜臣), are described in detail as 임진왜란 (壬辰倭乱 Jinsin Waran).

2 the situation of the Yi Dynasty

　The Yi Dynasty was founded in 1392 and enjoyed a period of peace, with neo-Confucianism (based on the teachings of Zhu Xi and his followers, 朱子学) as the governing principle of the state. Internally, however, there was a weakening of the royal power and political turmoil. The reign of King Senso (宣祖, 1567-1608) was a period of political instability.

3 description in the Jirok of the Joseon Dynasty

　The Jitsuroku of the Joseon Dynasty is an official record of the reigns of successive kings of Yi Dynasty Korea and contains detailed descriptions of the Jin-shin War. In particular, the ‘Senso Jitsuroku’ provides the most detailed record of the Jin-shin War.

Early invasions

　On 13 April 1592, Japanese forces landed in Busan (Fuzan Busan) and rapidly advanced northwards. The Senso Jitsuroku (King Senso’s True Record) records Joseon’s confusion and helplessness in the face of this early invasion. King Senso abandoned Hanseong(漢城) and fled across the Rinshinkou River臨津江 to Gishu義州. During this period, confusion and depression spread among the Joseon bureaucracy and nobility, and state control was severely reduced.

Resistance of the Gihei(volunteer army)

　The True Record of King Seonjo records in detail the activities of the voluntary military forces that were formed in various regions. The local volunteer army fought a guerrilla war against the Japanese and prevented the Japanese army from advancing. Particularly well-known voluntary military leaders include Kwak Sai-yu郭再祐 and Kim Ji-min金時敏. Their brave fight and community support are highlighted.

The exploits of Yi Sun-sin李舜臣(ri-shun-sin)

　The exploits of Yi Sun-sin, a general of the Joseon naval force, are also singled out in the Seonjo Jitsuroku. His naval exploits, especially the Battle of Kanzanto in 1592 and the Battle of Roryo in 1597, are recorded in detail.

　It highlights the tactical genius of Yi Sun-sin and the use of the turtle ship, and depicts how the Joseon naval force under his command cut off the sea supply line of the Japanese forces and hindered the Japanese advance.

4 Rantyu Nikki of Yi Sun-sin

　The “Rantyu Nikki” in which Admiral Yi Sun-sin recorded his battle experience is an extremely valuable historical record to know the reality of the Jinshin War. The diary provides a detailed record of the war from the personal perspective of Yi Sun-sin.

Battle of Kanzanto

　In October 1592, Yi Sun-sin faced the Japanese forces in Kanzanto. His diary records the details of the preparation, tactics and victory of this battle. Yi Sun-sin utilised the turtle ship to inflict a great blow to the Japanese forces. His tactical decisions and the bravery of his men in the battle are recorded.

Battle of Roryo

　In December 1598, Yi Sun-sin was fatally wounded in the Roryo Battle. His diary records the progress of the battle and his last instructions in detail.

　His famous words of instruction, “The battle is not over yet, do not let it be known that I am dead”, shows the will of the battle that continued even after his death.

5 the course of the war and major battles

Battle of Pyeongyang(平壌）

　In January 1593, the combined forces of the Ming and Joseon armies engaged the Japanese forces in Pyongyang. The Ming forces led by Ri Jo-sho(李如松) used gunpowder weapons to repel the Japanese and recapture Pyongyang. This battle was the first major victory for the Ming forces and greatly boosted the morale of Joseon.

Recapture of Hanseong(漢城）

　Following the recapture of Pyeongyang, the Ming and Joseon allied forces launched a campaign to retake Hanseong, which returned to Joseon control in February 1593. The Seonjo Jitsuroku (King Seonjo’s True Record) describes in detail the process of this recapture and the subsequent situation in Hanseong.

Busan and Jinju Fortress siege

　Busan(釜山) and Shinshu(晋州) Fortress became important battlefields during the Imjin War. In the Battle of Jinju Fortress, General Kin Jibin(金時敏) prevented the onslaught of the Japanese forces and many soldiers fought bravely. The battle became a symbol of Joseon resistance and is recorded in detail in the Seonjo Jitsuroku.

6 aid from the Ming Dynasty

Arrival of Ming forces

　At the request of Joseon, the Ming dispatched large-scale military aid. Ming generals Ri Jo-sho(李如松) and Yo-ko(楊鎬) played an important role in the fighting in Joseon. The Seonjo Jitsuroku records in detail the arrival of the Ming forces and the joint operations that followed.

Joint operations

　The Ming and Joseon allied forces conducted joint operations against the Japanese. Following the recapture of Pyongyang and Hanseong, the two armies worked together to stop the Japanese advance. The Seonjo Jitsuroku (King Seonjo’s True Record) provides a detailed account of the Allied forces’ tactics and battles.

7 ceasefire negotiations and resumption of hostilities

Ceasefire negotiations

　From 1593 to 1596, as the war reached a stalemate, ceasefire negotiations took place. Ming diplomats negotiated with the Japanese, but both sides were unable to agree on their demands and ultimately no decisive agreement was reached. The Seonjo Jitsuroku (King Seonjo’s True Record) describes the process and results of these negotiations in detail.

Keityo War(慶長の役)

　In 1597, after ceasefire negotiations had failed, Hideyoshi ordered another invasion of the Korean peninsula. This second invasion, known as the Keityo War, was followed by many battles, similar to those of the Bunroku War. The Ming once again dispatched a large army, but the war was a stalemate.

8 consequences and impact

Impact on Joseon

　The war inflicted enormous damage on Joseon. Many cities and rural areas were destroyed and the population was greatly reduced. Cultural property and crafts were looted and many technicians and craftsmen were deported to Japan. The Seonjo Jitsuroku details the post-war reconstruction and rebuilding efforts.

Impact on the Ming

　The Ming also invested considerable resources in the war. Ming finances were squeezed by the war, which contributed to its later decline. After the war, the Ming faced internal rebellions and external invasions, and was destroyed by the Qing in 1644.

Impact on Japan

　Within Japan, war weariness became apparent after the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Many soldiers returned home and the domestic economy was exhausted. After Hideyoshi’s death, Tokugawa Ieyasu seized power and established the Edo shogunate. The Edo Shogunate avoided foreign wars and adopted a policy of isolation to ensure domestic stability.

9 specific descriptions

　The Seonjo Jitsuroku clearly records the specific course of the war, details of battles in various regions, the activities of the voluntary military, the achievements of Yi Sun-sin, and the assistance of the Ming forces. It also describes in detail the damage caused by the war, reconstruction efforts and post-war diplomatic relations. 　Yi Sun-sin’s Ranchu Nikki is also a valuable source for understanding the reality of the war from his perspective, recording the details of his tactics and battles.

10 Conclusion

　Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s invasion of Korea in Joseon history books is described as the ‘Jinshin War’, highlighting the crisis of national survival, the resistance in the midst of it and the efforts of the allied forces with the Ming.

　The war was an important event in the history of Korea and left many lessons for the defence and reconstruction of the nation.

　Post-war reconstruction took a long time, but the experience of this war was a major historical turning point for Korea.

NB.
This text is based on asking the AI; the AI’s answers may not always be correct. Important information should be checked.

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