Geobukseon

In this episode of the HistoryMaps Podcast, we uncover the story of the Korean Geobukseon, or turtle ship-Admiral Yi Sun-sin's legendary warship that turned the tide of the Imjin War (1592-1598). We examine its origins, design, and battlefield role: from the spiked, covered deck and dragon-headed bow that spewed smoke to its stable yet slow U-shaped hull. The episode also explores the enduring debate over whether it was the world's first ironclad, contrasting Korean records with Japanese eyewitness accounts. Finally, we look at why the turtle ship, though revolutionary, faded from use after the war-its high cost and specialized purpose no longer fitting a nation at peace.