The Turtle Boat

The First Ironclad Warship Ever Built

Invented in 1591 by Li Soon Sin, the Turtle ship, also known as Geobukseon or Kobukson, was a type of large warship belonging to the Panokseon class in Korea that was used intermittently by the Royal Korean Navy during the Joseon Dynasty from the early 15th century up until the 19th century.

Turtle ships participated against Japanese naval forces that supported Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s attempts to conquer Korea from 1592-1598, inflicting heavy losses.

These turtle ships were equipped with at least five different types of cannon. Their most distinguishable feature was a dragon-shaped head at the bow (front) that could launch cannon fire or flames from the mouth. Each was also equipped with a fully covered deck to deflect arrow fire, musket-shots, and incendiary weapons. The deck was covered with iron spikes to discourage enemy men from attempting to board the ship.

Turtle Boat Specs

• Class and type: Panokseon type
• Length: 100 to 120 feet
• Beam: 30 to 40 feet
• Propulsion: 80 oarsmen
• Complement: 50 soldiers
• Armament: Sulfur gas thrower, iron spikes, 26 cannons
  Notes: in full operational conditions cannons ranged between 200 yds to 600 yds

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