Korean cannon

Cannon in Korea were first developed by Choe Mu-seon, for exclusive use by the Goryeo Army. Several types were made and saw successful action during the Mongol invasions of Japan. One of the most notable types was the "byuldae-wangu", a simple stone mortar that hurled explosive rounds at the enemy.

Other firearms were used, but would be considered arquebuses, rather than cannons, because of their small size.

Joseon era cannons

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Early Joseon (Before Japanese invasions of Korea)

Cannons of the Joseon era were relatively small in size, but boosted accuracy and range. They saw extensive use during the Japanese invasions of Korea, by both the Joseon Army and the Navy. They were very effective against the weaker Japanese ships. The Nanjung Ilgi says that many were captured and used by the Japanese when their full potential was realized. There existed multiple varieties, each for a different situation or purpose.

Below is a list of types used by the Joseon military:

• "Cheonja, or "heaven" (Hangul: 천자) was the largest and most standardly used type of cannon. It was used exclusively on the Panoksun Battleship. It had an effective range of about 350-500 meters. It was the only type of cannon capable of firing explosive rounds.
• "Jija", or "earth" (Hangul: 지자) was the second largest type. It was used mainly on the Turtle ship. It had an effective range of about 500-600 meters.
• "Hyeonja", or "black' (hangul:현자) was another type that was smaller than the Jija. Its effective range was from around 1100–1250 meters with an Iron shot, and 400–600 meters with a Daejon, a wooden projectile.
• The "Hwangja", or "yellow" (hangul:황자) cannon was the smallest and the most accurate cannon, was about three feet long, and was capable of accurately delivering a cannonball up to target 1590 meters away.

Late Joseon (After Japanese invasions of Korea)

• "Hongyi-po" was cannon from Dutch in late 16th century. It was used in French Campaign against Korea, 1866, United States expedition to Korea and Ganghwa Island incident.

• So-po was muzzle-loading bronze cannon made in 1874. Its caliber is 84 mm.

• Jung-po was muzzle-loading bronze cannon made in 1874. Its caliber is 120 mm.

Operation

A distinguishing Korean method of firing involved inserting paper and a wooden stump between the gunpowder and the projectile(s). Doing so increased accuracy, range, and firepower. Sand was also poured in when firing grapeshot.

Projectiles were mainly iron shot, but some were made of stone. Others were filled with gunpowder and were, therefore, explosive. There was a wide usage of "daejon", a wooden arrow with iron tips and fins. They were more accurate, but lacked range and firepower. Sometimes the Joseon Navy used grapeshot and arrows for anti-personnel warfare, but that was not as widely used. In many cases the projectiles were used in conjunction.

See also

• Hwacha
• Singijeon
• Chongtong
• Hongyi-po

Notes

Kim, Jung Jin The turtle ship: from legend to history'' (Random House publishing Joongang, Seoul) pgs 48-51