행주산성

A hidden contributor to the Battle of Haengju –

Jo Gyeong,

Assistant Commanding Officer

Jo Gyeong (1541-1609)

Jo Gyeong is the person who discovered Haengjusanseong Fortress, the decisive battle site that became a turning point during the Imjin War. At the time of discovery, Haengjusanseong Fortress had no proper walls left, so there were no fortifications to safely protect the army. Jo Gyeong suggested building a fence to defend against enemy invasion, but Kwon Yul refused, saying that the Ming Allied Forces would soon arrive and that the soldiers, exhausted from previous battles, should be allowed to rest. When Kwon Yul happened to be away for a while, Jo Gyeong made one decision. He disobeyed Kwon Yul’s order and built a double-layered wooden fence.

What happened to Jo Gyeong who disobeyed Kwon Yul's orders?

Three days after completing the wooden fence, an army of 30,000 Japanese soldiers attacked. Contrary to Kwon Yul's expectations, the Ming forces were defeated at the Battle of Byeokjegwan and retreated to Gaeseong. In a situation where the Joseon army outnumbered had to confront the Japanese forces alone, the double-layered wooden fence, completed with Jo Gyeong's foresight, played a major role as a defensive barrier.

Kwon Yul and all the generals said, "Today's victory is all due to your efforts." They were mainly referring to the wooden fence he had constructed. - Yeonryeosilgisul Volume 16, The Victory of Haengju by Kwon Yul -

After winning the battle, Kwon Yul fully credited Jo Gyeong for the success at the Battle of Haengju and acknowledged that his own decision at the time had been wrong. In a military where the order of obedience was strict, Jo Gyeong stood by his beliefs, and Kwon Yul did not punish Jo Gyeong, not insisting on maintaining his authority as a superior. The strong trust between Kwon Yul, who was an outstanding general, and his capable advisor Jo Gyeong, whom he recognized, was one of the key factors to the victory at the Battle of Haengju.