| dc.description.abstract | In the history of Ming Dynasty, there were three major expeditions, regarded as the “Three Major Expeditions during Wanli” from 1592 to 1600. Among these wars, the longest one was the “The War of Joseon”, which lasted for seven years. Beginning in 1592, this war was separated into two stages because of the negotiations between the powers engaged in it, and was called in different names from the different perspectives of the countries involved. In Japan, it was regarded as Bunroku no Eki (ぶんろくのえき) or Keichō no Eki (けいちょうのえき); in Korea, Imjin Waeran (임진왜란), Jeong-yu Jaeran (정유재란), or Imjin Joguk Jeonjaeng (임진조국전쟁). Before this war, the three countries enjoyed peace for a prolonged period, with trade among the people conducted by traveling merchants through active trade activities. However, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi united Japan and ended the Sengoku Period (the Warring States), he launched a massive scale invasion of Joseon, which enjoyed peace and prosperity for a considerable period of time, bringing turmoil and unrest to the northeast Asia. Facing the well-trained Japanese troops, Joseon was nearly wiped out after two months. Without any other option, it sought help from the Ming Empire, whose emperor Wanli made a decision to suppress the invasion of the Japanese, upon the request of its vassal state. To fight against the Japanese in the battlefield for the first time, Ming Dynasty sent Li Ru-song (1549-1598), a general in Liaodong, to be the commander. With his expedition, he not only shattered the Japanese ambition of annexing Joseon but also ranked him the first general in the Ming history that defeated Japan’s regular troops. His participation and contribution to the war exerted long-lasting influences on the development of Ming history. His major contribution was to consolidate the Ming Empire’s control, helping it become the major power that impeded the invasion of Late Jin. Even when Ming declined and Qing Empire was established, Joseon still regarded Ming Dynasty an ally state.
Keywords: Li Ru-song, Ryu Seong-ryong, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Pyongyang, Byeokjegwan
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