Korean armour
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The armour used traditionally in ancient times against swords in swordfighting, and as well in other battlefield encounters by Koreans or those fighting in Korea, or Korean fighting overseas. Related to the battle needs accompanying Korean swords and also including Korean horse-armour and other kinds of early anti-ballistic armour before the 20th century.
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[edit] Introduction
Korean armour evolved from Chinese armouring principles. These were generally scale armours consisting of: vest, pauldrons, skirting; with groin and/or underarm protections. Kings and nobles would also wear shoulder protections. Mesh armours developed late in Korean warfare as piercing weapons for up close fighting were rarer than slashing and striking edged weapons. Shields protected against arrows for infantry.
Korean armour tended to be of one piece, somewhat similar in appearance to costume of that time. In the fog of battle it was essential that Korean armour be distinguished quickly from the multi-piece Chinese armour and the leather and metal-studded Mongolian armour. Korean armour was designed to allow fast kicks, ground fighting, and upward strikes while Chinese armour was designed for downward strikes, and more positionary warfare.
To some extent Chinese military tactics were designed for attacks and attacking from height downwards onto the enemy; and Korean for attacks from below with the Koreans commanding heights on mountains, strategic chokehold passes, and mountain fortresses or suhng, with attackers and arrows moving upwards. This was naturally dictated by the Chinese plains past the Yalu river, and the Korean mountain ridges and passes inland which were the historic battlegrounds. The armour responded to both these needs.
[edit] Sino-Korean brigandine from Goryeo to Joseon dynasty
Effective against ranged attacks, this style of brigandine continued til the late 19th century. Ballistic attacks required different materials, and will be discussed in a separate article.
[edit] Joseon dynasty armor
Armor from the Joseon dynasty consisted of a heavy canvas coat with iron plates on the inside. The iron plates held together by iron studs that were visible on the outside.
Two notable types were "dujung-gap"(두정갑) and "durumagi"(두르마기). Both bore similar resemblance, except for the fact that the durumagi had additional scale mail.
There is also the "Yongrin-gap" (용린갑;龍鱗甲), literally Dragon Skin Armor which had scale mail that resembled dragon scales, thus giving its name. It was notably worn by Admiral Yi Sun-Sin during the Seven Years' War. Its characterisics are scales that do not rust, and is warm and comfortable, while it is heavy and restricts the wearer's movements.
