Imjin

Imjin may refer to multiple concepts in Korean geography and history. In geography, it is most commonly used for the Imjin River, a major watercourse that flows through the Korean Peninsula. The river rises in the northern highlands and runs westward through both North Korea and South Korea, forming part of the border in its lower reaches before draining into the Yellow Sea. It has historically served as a source of irrigation and, in the border region around the Korean Demilitarized Zone, as a natural boundary.

In history, Imjin denotes the Imjin War, the Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592 to 1598 during the Joseon Dynasty. The conflict began when Toyotomi Hideyoshi sought to conquer the Korean Peninsula and eventually extend influence into China. Joseon Korea, aided by the Ming dynasty, resisted through large and small engagements, with notable naval victories under Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the use of turtle ships. Land campaigns included the defense and relief of forts such as Jinju. The war ended with the withdrawal of Japanese forces after Hideyoshi’s death and renewed Ming support, leaving Korea sovereign but heavily strained.

In calendrical use, Imjin is also a designation in the traditional East Asian sexagenary cycle, corresponding to certain years, including the year 1592.