Korean spears
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Over time various types of Korean spears have evolved, many similar found to weapons found elsewhere in Asia and the world, as much due to a process of convergent evolution as to external influence.
[edit] Types of Spear
- Jangchang: This is the long spear. The spear was usually about 10 feet in length with a 4 inch blade on the end. The spear was used for throwing or just plowing through the enemy with long reach.
- Jukjangchangbo: This is the Bamboo long spear that was much longer. About 20 feet in length. These spears were used for even greater distances than the regular Jangchang. Although they aren't always quick, they were used in groups to keep many swordsmen back and cornered. (see also pike)
- Gichang: This is a Flag spear. These spears were shorter and only about 7 feet in length. The blade was larger and there is a large flag attached to the end of it to distract enemies.
- Dangpa-chang: The main advantage of the Dangpa was that the user could attack someone from a longer distance, was effective against medium swords, a good anti-cavalry weapon, and the ability to strike with heavy damage. The disadvantages were that, like most spears, the Dangpa was not as fast as a skilled swordsman, could not be thrown, and was heavier than other spears.(see also Trident)
- Nangsun: This is the Multi-tipped bamboo spear. The spear is about 25 feet long and has many other tips and blades branching from it. About half of it is all blades and the other half was just the handle of the spear. These were used in fields to slash at unsuspected enemies in the field, thinking that the Nangsun is just a normal tree. The blades were coated in steel and dipped in poison, so that the slightest cut would mortally wound the opponent.
- Galgorichang: This is a hook spear that was used as an anti-cavalry weapon. This pole arm was 3 meters in length and it had a hook like blade on the side of it; kind of like a scythe but with a shorter blade.(see also Guisarme)
- Toupjang: This was a spear that had a blade with a flat top. The blade also had teeth on it like a saw; Toup Jang, literally means 'Saw Spear'.
- Nuhlbjakchang: Literally means 'wide spear'. This spear was called the wide spear because of its wide blade.The cutting edges weren't on the sides, nor was it a stabbing weapon. It was meant to cut with the top portion of the metal. It was rounded out on top and sharpened with precision. The blade faced the opponent when being used.(see also Monk's Spade)
- DaJiChang: These spears were multi tipped stabbing spears. These spears had 2 - 4 tips and was used only for thrusting.
- Sabarichang: This spear had 3 tips but was placed at the tip of the rod in a tripod formation.
- Yangjimochang: This spear had a long blade and with a large swordguard. this spear was used to trap swords in their defense.
- Dongyemochang: This spear was the largest spear ever made in Korea. The spear was 9 meters long. It is questioned if there was at least 2-3 people using it at once or if it was used by one great man. The translation literally is 'The Very Long and Great Spear'.