Imjin War: Siege of Pyongyang
1593 · Pyongyang, Korea · China · Early modern
Li Rusong led the Ming army together with Korean troops in an all-out artillery assault on Pyongyang; the Japanese defenders could not hold, abandoned the city and withdrew south, and the coalition recaptured Pyongyang.
Belligerents
Ming-Joseon allied army
- Commanders
- Li Rusong, Yu Seong-ryong
- Strength
- The main Ming relief army in Korea, tens of thousands strong, equipped with artillery
Japan
- Commanders
- Konishi Yukinaga
- Strength
- Japanese troops holding the city, relying on its fortifications
Background
Japan invaded Korea, seeking passage through it to attack the Ming; Korea appealed for aid, and the Ming dynasty sent an army to help Korea resist.
Course of the battle
- Allies musterThe Ming army crossed the river, joined the Korean army, and advanced to the walls of Pyongyang.
- Artillery bombardment and assaultArtillery kept up a steady bombardment of the fortifications.
- Pyongyang recapturedUnable to hold, the Japanese abandoned the city and withdrew south, and the coalition recaptured Pyongyang.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1593 |
|---|---|
| Place | Pyongyang, Korea |
| Result | Li Rusong led the Ming army together with Korean troops in an all-out artillery assault on Pyongyang; the Japanese defenders could not hold, abandoned the city and withdrew south, and the coalition recaptured Pyongyang. |
| Winner | Ming-Joseon allied army |
| Casualties | The Japanese garrison suffered heavy losses in the city and during the retreat. |
| Territorial change | Pyongyang was recovered; thereafter the war became a north–south tug-of-war that ended only after years of back-and-forth. |
Impact
A key battle of the Ming intervention in Korea, it checked Japan's attempt to invade the Northeast Asian mainland by way of Korea.
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