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A reconstruction of a hwacha.

The Powerful Hwacha: An Early Korean Rocket Launcher

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The hwacha (which roughly translates as fire chariot) is a type of weapon developed in Korea, and used by its army on the field of battle. This weapon is best known for its deployment during the Imjin War. This was a war that occurred during the last decade of the 16th century AD, and is also known as the Japanese Invasions of Korea. The use of the hwacha by the Korean defenders was one of the reasons Japan failed in their campaign to conquer the Korean peninsula.

Early Rocket Launcher

The hwacha may be best described as a type of early multiple rocket launcher. Basically, this weapon consists of a two-wheeled cart, on which was mounted a board with a great number of holes. Each of these holes was filled with a singijeon (roughly meaning ‘magical machine arrows’). This was a type of arrow propelled by a tube of gunpowder attached onto its shaft. In other words, the singijeon was an early type of rocket. The earliest hwachas were capable of firing up to 100 arrows each time it was ignited. The design of this weapon was later improved to allow up to 200 arrows to be fired in each round.

Whilst the hwacha is best known for its use in the defense of Korea during the 16th century AD, by this time the hwacha had already been in existence for about 200 years. Nevertheless, it may also be mentioned that the improvements and developments of this weapon occurred during the earlier part of those two centuries, following which there was a period of stagnation.

An example of Korean gunpowder weaponry.

An example of Korean gunpowder weaponry. (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It is unclear as to when exactly the hwacha was first invented, as written records about this weapon are scarce. Nevertheless, the hwacha was likely to have been developed around the time when gunpowder was first manufactured in Korea. Whilst gunpowder was considered as a closely guarded Chinese secret, the Koreans succeeded in developing their own gunpowder by the 14th century AD. This was thanks to a man by the name of Choe Museon. Although the production of gunpowder was initially monopolized by Museon and his son, Haesan, this substance would soon be manufactured by others as well. 

Border Defense

The hwacha is thought to have been used primarily as a defensive weapon. For example, in the middle of the 15th century AD, the hwacha began to be manufactured in bulk by King Mujeon so that they could be used in border defenses. Incidentally, it was during King Mujeon’s reign that hwachas capable of firing 200 projectiles were invented. Additionally, the ammunition used by this weapon was also improved by this time.

Hwacha, Seoul Korea.

Hwacha, Seoul Korea. (CC BY 2.0)

The Battle of Haengju

During the last decade of the 16th century AD, the Korean peninsula was threatened by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Japan. The Japanese invaded Korea with the intention of conquering the peninsula. One of the greatest victories won by the Koreans during this war with Japan was the Battle of Haengju, which took place on February 12, 1593. It is recorded that the battle involved 3000 Koreans defending a hilltop fortress against an army of 30 000 Japanese soldiers. Despite the numerical odds, the Koreans were able to emerge victorious, and also dealt a heavy blow to Japanese morale, as this was one of the first major Korean victories during the war.

The Japanese invading Korea. (Public Domain)

The presence of 40 hwachas that were mounted on the outer walls of the fortress at Haengju was one of the reasons the Koreans were victorious in this battle. Despite assaulting the fortress nine times, the Japanese were not able to defeat its protectors.

Even though the hwacha was instrumental in the Korean victory at Haengju, it eventually became obsolete in the warfare of subsequent ages. Nevertheless, this weapon is still regarded as an important innovation in Korean military history, and is often featured in popular culture, perhaps thanks to the role it played during the Battle of Haengju.

Featured image: A reconstruction of a hwacha. Photo source: CC BY 2.0

By Wu Mingren

References

Korea IT Times, 2011. Korean Military Weapon Hwacha. [Online]
Available at: http://www.koreaittimes.com/story/14204/korean-military-weapon-hwacha

Nixon, E., 2015. 10 Insane Ancient Weapons You’ve Never Heard Of. [Online]
Available at: http://listverse.com/2015/11/29/10-insane-ancient-weapons-youve-never-heard-of/

Park, S.-R., 2005. Science and Technology in Korean History: Excursions, Innovations, and Issues. Fremont, Cal.: Jain Publishing Company.

Shaba.Co, 2016. Hwacha. [Online]
Available at: http://www.shaba.co/wa?s=Hwacha

Shaba.Co, 2016. Siege of Haengju. [Online]
Available at: http://www.shaba.co/wa?s=Siege_of_Haengju

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition, 2007. Hwacha -- 15th century rocket launchers. [Online]
Available at: http://h2g2.com/entry/A23143943

 

Comments

Very Interesting

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Wu

Wu Mingren (‘Dhwty’) has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Archaeology. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods.... Read More

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