The history of the Russian Navy is rich in examples of heroism and self-sacrifice, but few events caused such resonance as the battle. The Korean gunboat The episode of the Russo-Japanese War became a symbol of courage, and the fate of the boat itself is still adorned with legends. Unlike its larger sister, the Korean was smaller but also played an important role in the tragic events of 1904.
Many people search for information about the Korean in Wikipedia format, wanting to get dry facts and dates, but the real story of this vessel is much deeper and more dramatic. The Russian Imperial Navy It needed boats that could operate in coastal waters and shallow waters, which determined the design of this type of vessel, and we'll go through the technical details, the course of the battle, and why this boat is forever inscribed in the annals of naval glory.
Understanding the design and capabilities of the Korean is essential to assessing the scale of the feat of its crew. Artillery weapons The boat was far inferior to the Japanese battleships, but the competent use of available resources allowed to inflict significant damage on the enemy. Below we will consider all aspects of the service of this legendary boat.
History of creation and purpose of gunboat
The Korean cannon boat was designed and built in the early XX century specifically for operations in the Far East. Baltic plant St. Petersburg was the birthplace of this boat, which was supposed to strengthen Russia's presence in the Pacific, and at the time, the geopolitical situation was heating up, and low-draught vessels were needed to patrol the coasts of Korea and China.
The design was carried out taking into account the specifics of local waters. hull It was made of steel, which provided the necessary strength, but kept the weight within reasonable limits. Launched in 1892, the Korean became one of the most modern members of its class at the time, its main task was not only combat service, but also displaying the flag in ports where Russian interests intersected with those of other powers.
It is worth noting that the purpose of the boat often changed depending on the current tasks of the command. Canoner boats They were versatile soldiers at the time, able to escort transports, carry patrols, and even participate in amphibious operations, and it was this versatility that made the Korean indispensable in the Pacific squadron.
Note that the term "canon boat" at the time denoted a class of boats with powerful artillery but weak armor and low speed, designed for coastal operations.
Technical specifications and armaments
To assess the Korean’s capabilities objectively, you need to look at the numbers: the boat had a displacement of about 1,000 tons, which allowed it to enter ports inaccessible to large cruisers. Power plant It consisted of two triple-expansion steam engines that provided speeds of up to 13 knots, which were averages for the time being, enough to complete the tasks.
The main force of the "Korean" was its artillery, on board were guns of various calibers, which allowed to fight at different distances. 120mm cannons The main part of the salvo was the small-caliber artillery used to defend against mine boats, and the following is a table with basic tactical and technical data.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1010 tons | Normal. |
| Length | 57.9 m m | Waterline. |
| Speed of travel | 13 knots | Full speed. |
| Chief caliber | 3 x 120 mm | Cane guns |
It is important to understand that reservation The deck had bevels to protect the machinery, but the sides were vulnerable to large caliber shells, making the Korean dependent on maneuvering and supporting larger boats in open combat, but in the narrowness and skerries of the area, its maneuverability and draught gave advantages.
Features of artillery
The main caliber guns could shoot up to 70 cables, but the rate of fire left much to be desired compared to Japanese counterparts of that period.
Service in the Far East before the war
After the Pacific Ocean, the Koreans settled in Port Arthur, which became their main base. Pacific FleetThe boat often visited ports in Korea, including Chemulpo (now Incheon), where tragic events were to unfold, and regular trips kept the crew on track, although there was a constant shortage of coal and resources.
The situation in the region became tense before the war, with Japan building up its forces and Russian boats under close surveillance. The Navy knew the conflict was inevitable, but the exact date of the fighting was unknown, and the Korean served as a scout and liaison, transmitting important messages between bases.
In early 1904, the boat was in Chemulpo together with the cruiser "Varyag". international port The Japanese were teeming with foreign boats, imposing certain restrictions on the actions of the belligerents, but they were not going to reckon with neutrality when it came to strategic interests, and the crew of the Koreans were preparing for the worst, knowing that the enemy was superior in strength.
⚠️ The situation in Chemulpo was complicated by the presence of neutral boats (Britain, Italy, the United States), which were supposed to formally protect Russian boats, but in practice the Japanese ignored any diplomatic norms.
The Battle of Chemulpo: The Battle of the Battle
On the morning of January 27 (February 9, New Style), 1904, a Japanese squadron blocked the exit from the port of Chemulpo, carrying the Varyag and the Korean, and the Japanese commander Admiral Uriu issued an ultimatum: leave the port before 12 p.m. or be destroyed. Captain 1st Rank Rudnev (Varyag) and Captain 2nd rank Belyaev ("Korean") decided to fight.
At 11:20, the Russian boats left port, the Korean was on the Varyagha, the Japanese opened fire first, and although the Korean was smaller, it was actively firing at the enemy. Japanese boats They concentrated fire on the more dangerous Varyag, but the Korean also suffered a lot, the boat received several hits, fires began, but it continued to maneuver and shoot.
☑️ Factors of success in combat
Having received damage and realizing that it was impossible to break through to Vladivostok, the commanders decided to return to the port. The fight lasted less than an hour.But during that time, the Russian sailors showed wonders of bravery, the Korean suffered holes in the hull, were wounded, but the boat retained its course and control, which allowed it to safely return to the raid.
The main result of the battle was that the Russian boats did not surrender and were not boarded, retaining the honor of the flag, despite the technical superiority of the Japanese.
Destruction of the boat and the fate of the crew
Back at port, the Russian sailors faced the impossibility of repairing in a neutral port and the threat of capture, and the difficult decision was made to destroy the boats so that they would not fall to the enemy, the Koreans opened the kingstones and planted explosive charges. Crew He was taken aboard the English cruiser Violet and was later interned.
The explosions occurred in the afternoon, and the Korean sank in shallow water, its superstructures towering above the water, and the event caused a wide resonance around the world. The feat of Russian sailors The Japanese emperor ordered the treatment of the wounded and the respect of the prisoners, which was rare in that war.
The fate of the crew was different: many returned to Russia after the war, some remained in exile, the names of the heroes were immortalized, and the fight itself became the subject of study in maritime academies. The Korean was raised by the Japanese, restored and served in their fleet under the name Mimo until 1916, when it was sold for scrap.
⚠️ Note: When studying photos of the sunken "Korean"
Memory of the feat and historical significance
The story of the Korean is not just a textbook page, it's an example of spirit conquering matter, and in Soviet and post-Soviet times, boats were named after them, and streets were named after them. Sea valor The crew has become a benchmark for future generations of sailors, and every year, February 9, Russia celebrates the day of commemoration of this event.
However, despite the heroism, the fight at Chemulpo showed systemic problems. Russian Navy: speed lag, lack of modern ammunition, fragmented command, lessons that, though at the cost of blood, led to the conclusions that were taken into account in the construction of the new fleet in the years that followed.
Today, the Korean skeleton (or what remains of it after a secondary disassembly) is part of maritime history. Exploration of the wreck site continues, and every artifact found sheds light on the details of that day. For researchers and history buffs, it is a living connection to an era when the fate of empires was decided.
Interesting fact.
In the 1960s, the USSR considered the project of creating a monument to the Varyag and the Korean in Incheon, but the political situation did not allow it to be fully implemented.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why couldn’t the Koreans break through with the Varyag?
The Korean had a significantly lower speed (about 13 knots versus 19-20 knots for cruisers) and a shorter range. In the conditions of combat and damage, it was physically unable to keep up with the Varyag and escape the pursuit of Japanese fast boats.
Who commanded the gunboat Korean during the battle?
The boat's commander on that tragic day was Captain 2nd Rank Grigory Pavlovich Belyaev, who shared the fate of his crew by deciding to destroy the boat and sharing the internment with sailors and officers.
Have the remains of the boat been found today?
The Japanese raised the Korean shortly after the battle (in 1905), restored it and used it under their flag, so there may only be fragments of no value at the bottom of Incheon, or traces of parking, since the hull itself was removed and later dismantled.
What was the main purpose of the Japanese attack on Chemulpo?
The main objective was to block Russian forces in port to land and launch a ground operation, and the destruction or neutralization of the Varyag and the Koreans was a necessary condition for the safety of the troop transfer.