Yi Suil

Yi Suil (Korean: 이수일; Hanja: 李守一; 1st day, 4th month of 1554 – 27th day, 5th month of 1632) was a Korean general of the mid-Joseon period. Born in Chungju in 1554, Yi Suil passed the special military examination in 1583 and began his service on the northern frontier. In 1592, while serving as Magistrate of Changgi, Yi Suil faced the outbreak of the Imjin War broke out. He marched with his forces toward Gyeongju but was defeated, after which he served under Han Hyosun in military actions at Yŏnghae, Andong, Yecheon, and elsewhere. In 1593, Yi Suil was appointed Provincial Naval Commander of Left Gyeongsang, established a naval base in Changgi, and reactivated operations of the Left Gyeongsang Naval Forces. As Naval Commander, he distinguished himself in engagements at Ulsan and Ch'ilp'o. After the Imjin War, Yi Suil served as Provincial Military Commander of North Hamgyong, overseeing campaigns to pacify Not'o, Suŭlho, and Kyoro settlements. as well as construction projects, including the rebuilding of Jinju Fortress and the creation of a new fortress at Songjin. During the reign of King Gwanghaegun, he was repeatedly entrusted with command in the north, serving three separate terms as Provincial Military Commander of North Hamgyong. During the reign of King Injo, Yi Suil played a role in suppressing Yi Kwal's rebellion in 1624, securing victory at the Battle of Anhyŏn. For his service, he was credited as a Second-rank Chinmu Merit Subject. In subsequent years he held several high offices, including Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the South, Minister of Justice, and Commander of the Defense of Namhansanseong. In the 3rd month of 1632, at the age of seventy-nine, Yi Suil petitioned for retirement, which King Injo approved. Yi Suil died on the 27th day, 5th month of 1632 at his residence.