Korean cannon
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Cannon in Korea were first developed by Choe Mu-seon, for exclusive use by the Goryo 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.
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[edit] Joseon era cannons
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Hand cannon |
Cannons of the Joseon era were relatively small in size, but boasted 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. It was chronicled in the Nanjung Ilgi 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, an ironclad vessel. 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.
[edit] Operation
A distinguishing method of firing for the Koreans was 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 buckshot.
Projectiles were mainly iron shot, but some were made of stone. Some were filled with gunpowder, 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 buckshot and arrows for anti-personnel warfare, but was not as widely used. In many cases the projectiles were used in conjunction.
[edit] Notes
Kim, Jung Jin The turtle ship: from legend to history'' (Random House publishing Joongang, Seoul) pgs 48-51
