Battle of Pyongyang (1593)

Overview

The Battle of Pyongyang (Pyongyang Battle) was fought from 6 to 9 January 1593 of the lunar calendar (6–9 February in the solar calendar), when the combined Chinese-Korean forces attacked and recaptured Pyongyang Fortress, which the Japanese First Army had occupied since the sixth lunar month of 1592. Under Ming Admiral Li Rusong, the Ming army was joined by Joseon government troops under Sunbyeonsa Yi Il and Byeoljang Kim Eungseo (Kim Gyeongseo), and by monk soldiers led by Hyujeong (Seosan Daesa) and Yujeong (Samyeong Daesa). Konishi Yukinaga abandoned the fortress and retreated across the frozen Daedong River to Hanyang. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture regards this battle as a major turning point that reversed the previously continuous retreat of the Korean side.

Background

After the defeat of Zu Chengxun in July 1592, the Ming dispatched Shen Weijing to negotiate a truce with Konishi, gaining time (Sino-Japanese Peace Negotiations). Meanwhile, the Ming, having suppressed the rebellion in Ningxia, appointed Li Rusong as Eastern Expedition Commander and organized a large army. According to the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, Li Rusong led some 43,000 men across the Yalu River in December 1592. The Konishi force in Pyongyang had its supply lines cut and was exhausted by the winter cold, and its numbers had fallen sharply.

Course of Events

• Early morning of 6 January: The combined Chinese-Korean forces surrounded Pyongyang Fortress. According to the entry "Pyeongyang Battle" in the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, the Ming troops camped outside the three gates of Chilseong, Botong, and Hamgu, while Wu Youzhong, Si Dashou, and monk soldiers attacked Moran Hill to the north.
• 7 January: The Japanese forces held the Moran Hill area and resisted, and at night they also launched a raid on the Ming camps outside the walls.
• General assault on 8 January: Li Rusong and Zhang Shizuo attacked Chilseong Gate, Yuan Huang attacked Botong Gate, and Zu Chengxun, Luo Shangzhi, and Li Yibai, together with the Joseon troops of Yi Il and Kim Eungseo, attacked Hamgu Gate in the south, all advancing simultaneously. The Ming forces struck the gates and walls with artillery including bulangji guns and with fire arrows. Li Rusong led about 100 cavalry, promising to behead anyone who retreated and offering 50 taels of silver to the first man to mount the wall. The combined forces broke through the outer walls and entered the fortress.
• Konishi's last stand: Konishi withdrew to a dugout near Yeongwangjeong on the inner fortress and held out. There is also a tradition that the Ming army, having suffered heavy losses, stopped its attack and opened an escape route for him.