Battles & Campaigns · 1597
Battle of Jiksan
Jiksan, Cheonan, South Korea
What happened
During Japan's second invasion of Korea, Japanese armies advanced north toward Hanseong (Seoul). Ming troops set an ambush near Jiksan, and Kuroda's force attacked them. Japanese guns could not get through the Ming iron shields and armour, and after fighting until dusk both sides drew back.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Most Korean, Chinese and Western sources call it a Ming victory, though Japanese accounts differ. It was the furthest point the Japanese reached toward Hanseong in the second invasion.
What came next
The Japanese withdrew south in good order and held the southern coast. The war ended in 1598 after the death of Hideyoshi.
Did you know?
Kuroda and Mōri themselves reported that the Ming shields and armour stopped their bullets.
Timeline
- 1597 CEJapan invades Korea again.
- 16 October 1597Battle of Jiksan.
- 1598 CEJapanese forces withdraw from Korea.