Overseas Korean Journalists visited the Republic of Korea Naval Academy Museum in Jinhae on the 16th. (C) Joint Reporting Team

(Changwon = Dongpo Journal) Joint Reporting Team Reporter Ki-Jo Cho = Members attending the '2025 World Korean Journalists Convention' had Naengmyeon (cold noodles) for lunch at Hamheung-jip in Masan city on the 16th, and then toured the Republic of Korea Naval Academy Museum in Jinhae. This place preserves almost everything about Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and a replica of a Turtle Ship, the most similar to the original, is moored in the sea next to the museum. Several naval battles were fought in the nearby waters, and actual items such as Bikkyokjinchonryoe (flying thunderbolt cannon ball), cannonballs, firearms, and arrows, which demonstrated their power at the time, can also be seen.
The achievements of Admiral Yi Sun-sin in the naval battles he commanded during the Imjin War (1592–1598) are regarded as overwhelming victories unprecedented in world naval history. He sank approximately 770 enemy ships in 23 naval engagements while suffering extremely minimal damage to his own fleet. The only time the Joseon navy suffered a major loss was the Battle of Chilcheollyang, commanded by Won Gyun in early September 1597, which resulted in a crushing defeat with 122 ships sunk and thousands of casualties. Only 12 ships managed to escape and survive. Upon returning from exile, Yi Sun-sin submitted a memorial to the king, stating, "I still have twelve ships," thereby preventing the navy from being disbanded.
In the Battle of Myeongnyang on October 25 of the same year, he sank 31 Japanese ships, and in the Battle of Noryang on December 16, 1598, the following year, he sank about 200 enemy ships and captured about 100. Around 300 Joseon soldiers and 500 Ming soldiers were killed or wounded, but the Japanese forces suffered approximately 10,000 casualties. The Admiral died in the battle where the Joseon and Ming allied forces fought to the very end, refusing to let the Japanese forces, who only wished to return alive, escape. On November 19, 1598, Joseon lost its great star. What is clear in this war, where up to one million lives were lost, is that Joseon would have already vanished from history without Yi Sun-sin's navy.

The journalists then toured the Submarine Command History Hall. Since it is not an easily accessible place, they saw many things and felt a deep sense of trust. In the recent Russia-Ukraine War, we see the astonishing power of torpedoes launched by drones, submersibles, and submarines.
In South Korea, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides, the role of the Navy is paramount. Just as the US maintains a formidable naval power, our naval power is severely lacking when looking ahead to future warfare. Our Navy has four fleets, the Submarine Command, and the Aviation Command under the Fleet Command. The 1st Fleet covers the East Sea, the 2nd Fleet the West Sea, the 3rd Fleet the South Sea, and the Mobile Flotilla is in charge of Jeju Island and the open ocean. All regions bordering hostile nations like North Korea, China, and Russia, as well as Japan, are maritime. This is why our Navy, especially our submarine fleet, needs to be large. Missiles launched from submarines are an amazing weapon and exert psychological pressure on the enemy. We endured the Imjin War, and recently fought the Battle of Yeonpyeong. All were battles at sea. Given the environmental conditions, our naval power must be absolutely further strengthened.
Although we build and operate Aegis-class destroyers with our own hands, the weapon that can compensate for the insufficient number of vessels is the submarine, and among them, the nuclear submarine. When will we see a nuclear submarine, which we haven't even started yet? A nuclear submarine is not a nuclear weapon. There would be no reason for the US to interfere. The Turtle Ships, cannons, and Bikkyokjinchonryoe of the Imjin War are equivalent to today's nuclear submarines and nuclear weapons.
Security is not maintained through words but through strength. North Korea alone possesses 77 submarines and some submersibles. It is insufficient to confront and protect the ocean with less than a third of that number of submarines. First, we need to build a large number of unmanned submersibles and underwater drones. Submarine crew members, mainly non-commissioned officers, must have strong physical stamina. Since the number of applicants is decreasing, their treatment must be improved.
The security consciousness and mental armament of the public are also important. Most journalists who toured the Jinhae Naval Base and Submarine Command felt reassured and expressed satisfaction, calling it a rare opportunity.

The journalists taking a commemorative photo in front of the destroyer at Jinhae Marine Park. (C) Joint Reporting Team 

The overseas Korean journalists then moved to Jinhae Marine Park and ascended the soaring Solartower Observatory. The Marine Park is located in a heavenly spot that overlooks Jinhae Bay at a glance and is a representative marine theme space where visitors can experience the history of the Republic of Korea Navy. Inside the park, there is a 'Ship Exhibition Hall' where retired warships are displayed, allowing visitors to tour the actual ship's interior, and on the skywalk extending over the sea, they can enjoy the vast panorama of the Jinhae front sea while feeling the sea breeze.
The group on the observatory tried to find Tsushima Island beyond the Geoje-Gadeok Bridge, but the thick sea fog prevented them from seeing it. It is said that on a clear day, the outline of Tsushima Island faintly appears. Udo Island, below the observatory, is a small and charming island, where a walking trail along the coastline and a pine forest path harmonize, making it feel like a garden floating on the sea. The expression 'charming' perfectly suits the scenery. The participants boarded the retired destroyer Jinhae and toured the interior of the vessel, experiencing the actual living quarters of Navy sailors. Those who entered the wheelhouse and stood in the captain's seat could not hide their emotions.

 The overseas journalists visited Dotseom Marine Park. (C) Joint Reporting Team

On the morning of the 17th, the last day of the journalists' convention, the group took lighter steps to Dotseom Marine Park in the sea off Masan. As its name suggests, meaning 'the shape of a golden pig lying down,' the island's form is unique, and it has long been called the symbol of Masan. Dotseom has been developed into the Dotseom Marine Amusement Park, and the entire island is designed as a park, providing a space for walking, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Visitors can travel to and from the island via cruise ship, and the sculptures and exhibition halls installed throughout the island are popular with family tourists.

Journalists tossing shrimp crackers to the numerous flocks of seagulls flying along the sea route (C) Joint Reporting Team

In particular, unique enjoyment continues on the cruise ship sailing through the sea breeze. The sight of tourists tossing shrimp crackers to the numerous flocks of seagulls flying along the sea route is like a picturesque scene. The moment the seagulls catch the food from their fingertips and circle the sky adds to the joy of the trip.
A poetic monument with the representative poem of the poet Yi Eun-sang is erected on the summit of the island, and people constantly visit to contemplate his poem while looking out at the sea. Several container ships are anchored at the two blue sea piers, and thousands of cars and tens of thousands of containers are being loaded. The industrial power of the Changwon Industrial Complex and the scene of exports unfold right before their eyes.
After a short but fruitful journey, the overseas Korean journalists relaxed their fatigue with hot Bokguk (pufferfish soup) at the Masan Fish Market. On the way back, everyone headed to Seoul with a feeling of longing and regret, just like the lyrics of the song, "I miss it, I want to live there." The blue sea, the submarines, and the scenery of the human-centered port city are likely to remain in their hearts for a long time.