Hansando is an island of 14.72㎢, part of the Hallyeo Marine National Park, southeast of Tongyeong in the province of Gyeongsangnamdo. With a total area of 535.676㎢, the park encompasses scenic islands, coastal areas, and the sea, stretching from Goeje in Gyeongsangnamdo to Yeosu in Jeollanamdo.
Hansando was Admiral Yi Sun-shin’s (1545 – 1598) main sphere of action during the mid-Joseon period. As naval commander of three provinces, Admiral Yi led Joseon’s navy to victory over Japanese invading forces in the Imjin War (1592 – 1598). Hansando was home to the navy headquarters of three provinces. There still remain the Jeseungdang, Yi’s office where he held strategy meetings, the Suru, a watchtower where Yi watched enemy movements, and the Hansanjeong, an archery range. Also, the sea off Hansando was the place of the battle of Hansando where Yi’s navy had a decisive victory over Japan’s navy on July 8, 1592. This battle is highly regarded in world naval history for the exceptional use of strategies and tactics.
Hansando is an island with beautiful coastal views and inspiring stories of a Korean national hero. Admiral Yi’s traces are found across the 100 islands and islets of the Hallyeo Marine National Park.