Tongyeong Hansan Battle Festival (통영한산대첩축제)

The Great Battle of Hansan was a war in which Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his naval forces fought against the Japanese and won a great victory off Hansando Island in Tongyeong. The Great Battle of Hansan Festival commemorates the victory and Yi's spirit of patriotism. The festival reenacts the Samdo (Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang Provinces) naval guard changing ceremony and inspection, as well as the navy personnel's march and training. The Turtle Ship and local fishing boats are set afloat off Hansando Island, lining up in the shape of a crane's wing, which was the famous military tactic of the Great Battle. Visitors can enjoy a splendid view of fireworks over the dark sea and join in the Turtle Ship rowing competition, a popular activity that requires team effort. ◎ Crane Wing Formation The Great Battle of Hansan was the first to use the crane wing formation in its attacks, in which ships were deployed in the shape of a crane spreading its wings.