Won Gyun

Won Gyun was a Korean general and admiral during the Joseon period. He is best known for his campaigns against the Japanese during Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea. Won was a member of Wonju Won clan, which was well known for its members' military accomplishments. He was born in 1540 near Pyeongtaek and demonstrated his skill as warrior at a young age. He was qualified as a military officer and was first assigned to the northern border to defend against the Jurchens, who frequently raided Korean villages. Won led many successful campaigns with Yi Il and Yi Sun-sin against the Jurchens. After considerable accomplishments on the northern frontier, he was promoted to admiral in 1592 and sent to the southern coast of Gyeongsang Province to command the province's Western Fleet, along with Yi Sun-sin, who became admiral before Won and took command of Jeolla Province's Eastern Fleet. At the time, Won and Yi were cavalry leaders who had no experience with naval warfare.

12 February 1540

Born on the same birth day (12 February): Alexander Petrov (chess player) • Daniello Bartoli • Ehud Barak • Forrest Tucker • George Preca • Gundappa Viswanath • Jan Ladislav Dussek • Marie Vassilieff • Phil Zimmermann • Sarah Lancaster • Thomas Moran • Wade McKinnon

Born in the same month (February 1540): Henry Howard, 1st Earl of Northampton