 Today we have so much advanced weapons, some of which can be even operated by remote control system using computers or satellites. We will learn about our traditional fire weapons similar to today's missiles used in the JOSEON Dynasty.
According to the Koryo history, arrow weapons using firearms existed at that time. The Koryo already recognized the power of fire weapons and imported necessary materials from China to produce a large volume of firearms and gunpowders. They were in urgent need of them to destroy Japanese enemies invading them frequently.
In such social situation, the person named Choimoosun succeeded to learn complete manufacturing process of gunpowders from the Chinese Lee won. He later established the gunpowder factory called 'hwatongdogam', which was later appointed as the official weapon institution in 1377. Along with the opening of Hwatongdogam', gunpowder and nearly 200 kinds of fire weapons were developed and mass-produced before long. In 1378, fire weapon military was organized and the firearms showed remarkable results in battles with the Japanese enemies. The firearms produced at the end of Koryo aimed at burning down the targets rather than killing people or destroying buildings. |  Unlike his father, Taejong King in the JOSEON Dynasty was deeply interested in weapon development and appointed Choi hae-san, Choi mu-sun's son as the ?? which made a great contribution in developing firearms in the JOSEON Dynasty.
Choi hae-san and Lee do invented the firearm tank called 'hwacha' in 1409. It fired a bronze barrel, which were loaded with a few dozens of metal arrows inside while running.
Choi hae-san also invented twenty pieces of small, middle and large sized cannons by modifying the cannon obtained from the Chinese ship wreckage. Its shooting range was up to 150-foot distance. Although the cannons were originally designed for shooting a large round stone, it was primarily used for shooting a bombshell, as its shooting range was not long enough.
As the manufacturing technology of gunpowder and firearms were developing, modified Korean unique firearms as well as modified ones continued to emerge, breaking from the Chinese influences.
The notable product among the firearms during this period is the cannon called 'Chunjichongtong'. This is the largest one among the JOSEON cannons, comparable to 'General Cannon' of China.
During Se-jong era, the cannons were labeled systemically and standardized. Also, he established the cannon manufacturing factory called 'Yaso' and conducted research on improving the shooting range of cannons while developing cannon technology. As a result, the shooting range reached up to 1000 foot distance with a minimal amount of gunpowder and produced all the cannons according the new standards, which were placed in military bases national wide.
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In 1448, publishing the book, 'chongtonedeungrok' made a new turning point in the JOSEON firearm manufacture industry. The book contained the detailed information on manufacturing process of all the cannons and manuals for gunpowder along with drawing and accurate standards. It enabled to produce truly the JOSEON original firearms based on their own standards and forms. The book was succeeded to another book, 'Yoongwonpilbi' published in the late JOSEON Dynasty.
The JOSEON heavy firearms had four kinds of 'Chongtonn' and several kinds of cannons. The cannons fired the various objects including an arrow or round stone and the bombshell.
Another significant firearm during the JOSEON> Dynasty is 'Bikyukjinchunre' which Lee jang-son invented in Sunjo King regime. It was a very original product and proved itself an excellent weapon in the Imjin War.
One good example of showing the power of JOSEON firearms is when China requested the JOSEON support military for the China-Russia War happened in Hyojong King. JOSEON military played a critical role in winning the China-Russia War.
Considering the current situation that a great deal of foreign weapons has been importing, there should be more efforts and investment on developing our own weapons so that the domestic weapons can protect our country some day.
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