The Turtle Ship, which is also known as Kobukson or Geobukseon (거북선), is a galley that was invented in the 16th century (the name was already used for warships since 15th century). The Korean Admiral Yi Sun-sin and Lt. Na Dae Yong is credited for inventing the turtle ship, which gained fame by successfully repelling the Japanese invading armada, against extreme odds, in the Seven-Year War (1592-98).
Considered one of the first (if not the first) ironclad warships in the world, it had armour covering the top of the ship that protected rowers and its naval crew and looked like a turtle with a dragon's head, hence the name. Not just ornamental, the dragon's head could be used to emit fumes as a smokescreen. They had guns on each broadside (usually six) and larger guns in the bow and stern. These primary armaments were supplemented by archers inside the ship who could shoot flaming arrows out of portholes. Sharp retractable iron spikes protruded from the top panels, making the primary Japanese tactic of grappling and boarding an opposing ship less effective in battle. The ships also had retractable sails in addition to oars, making their profile in battle much smaller than comparable ships.
Several available (3-6) turtle ships proved a pivotal instrument for victory in several sea battles under Admiral Yi Sun-sin, most notably at Noryang and the Battle of Myeongnyang, where the invading Japanese navy suffered critical losses that would later lead to its withdrawal. By utilizing the turtle ship and brilliant naval strategy, Admiral Yi Sun-sin was able to preserve an undefeated naval battle record of 26 consecutive victories.
Turtle ships were a featured unique unit for the Korean civilization in the expansion to the computer game Age of Empires II. The game also featured a scenario in which the player commands Admiral Yi Sun-sin's fleet against the Japanese armada, a reenactment of the Battle of Noryang Point. Turtle ships also exist in the Admiral Yi Campaign of Empires:_Dawn_of_the_Modern_World.
