임진왜란기 의병의 항전과 일본군의 점령정책 변화

Joseon Voluntary Civil Soldiers Resistance Against the Japanese Invasion, and A Change in the Japanese Military s Policy on Occupation

The seven-year Japanese invasion of Joseon (1592 -1598) was the biggest incident in the history of Joseon, and developed into a tripartite war among the Chinese Ming Dynasty, Japan and Joseon, marking a landmark incident for East Asia. When the Japanese military invaded Joseon, Joseson s national defense strength was weakened due to the shortcomings of its military system. Joseon had a small number of government soldiers, leading it to suffer from the unilateral Japanese attacks. Against such a backdrop, voluntary civil soldiers were formed nationwide, and resisted the Japanese military, gradually turning the tide in favor of Joseon. Japanese military s initial policy was intended to subjugate not only Joseon but also Ming. However, due to Joseon s voluntary civil soldiers resistance, the Japanese military eventually revised their invasion policy. The Japanese military had initially intended to use Joseon as a springboard - a means of acquiring military provisions and goods - to invade Ming by placating the Joseon people. However, from March 1593, it was difficult for them even to be stationed in Joseon; thus, the Japanese deferred its scheme to invade Ming, and changed its policy and attempted to thoroughly rule Joseon, thus killing the Joseon people indiscriminately, and implementing other oppressive policies. However, voluntary civil soldiers activities caused a big change in the Japanese invasion policy, and eventually helped Joseon restore its nation.