E2024-G006

Voices of the Captives: Records from the Japanese Invasions of Korea

Narrative

The Japanese invasion of 1592–1598 once again plunged Korea into the chaos of war. Countless Koreans were taken as prisoners to Japan, and some among them left written accounts of their experiences in foreign lands. These writings not only convey the personal voices of those who endured captivity but also offer insight into the political awareness and intellectual reflections of Korean scholars. Moreover, they go beyond personal testimony to provide valuable information about Japanese society at the time and the daily lives of Korean captives.

Kang Hang (1567–1618), a civil official, recorded his experiences in the Record of Shepherd (Ganyangnok), meticulously documenting the horrors of captivity and the conditions he observed in Japan. He also presented his views on how Korea should prepare for future invasions. After returning to Korea, he composed a commemorative ridge beam inscription for the rebuilding of Gwangjuhyanggyo Local Confucian School in 1600; this text is also included in the Record of Shepherd.

No In (1566–1622, pen name: Geumgye), a military official, was held in Japan for three years before escaping and returning to Korea via Ming China in 1599. His journal, Diary of Geumgye (Geumgye ilgi), details not only the daily life of a wartime captive but also his careful observations of customs and culture in both Japan and China. This work is currently housed at the Gwangju National Museum.

Jeong Hui-deuk (1573–1623, pen name: Wolbong) wrote Wolbong’s Record at Sea (Wolbong haesangnok), describing his experience as a captive during a sea voyage and offering a vivid portrayal of the chaos and realities of war from a prisoner’s perspective.

Both Kang Hang and No In were later enshrined at Mugwangsa Shrine in Gwangju, and their legacy is preserved today as part of the region’s collective memory.