Piracy in the Seokdo



Piracy in the Seokdo primarily ranged from the early 1600s until its decline and elimination in the early 1700s following more targeted intervention by the governments of Yedal and Northern Sinju. Piracy in the Seokdo would flourish in the early 1600s, reaching a peak in 1640 and steadily declining until the 18th century. Piracy would have a significant impact on the region, influencing greater government oversight, forcing cooperation in Yedal, and further deteriorating relations between Nukigurun and the governments of Yedal.

16th Century
The Seokdo pirates were a group of pirates who terrorized Yedal and northern Sinju in the mid-17th century. The were of diverse national origins, including Jeongmi, Jihwa, Hwasan and Nukigurun. The majority of piracy in this region was based in the Seokdo islands, a place where certain pirate groups would garner favorable public opinion as liberators. Piracy would exacerbate the difficulties of rural living, leading to a number of throughout this time period.

Jihwa was particularly afflicted by piracy, due to its small navy and lack of an extensive standing army. Piracy in Jihwan waters would lead to significant material losses on trade routes connecting Western Yedal to the rest of the international trade network, leading to intervention by the Hwasanese navy. Accusations of the pirates being backed by Nukigurun

Pirate's forces have grown so much that they have looted Jeongmi. Nukigurun, whose been watching everything, supports the pirates, judging that the pirates will deal a heavy blow to Sinju and it will be easier to expand their power to the east. At that time, Jeong-mi was in such a serious condition that the country was showing signs of collapse, so they did not even think about eradicating pirates and focused only on defense.

Meanwhile, Ji Hwa-guk also made great efforts to improve speed by thinning the ship and making the anchor bigger accordingly, while cannons were also changed from large-caliber to small-caliber artillery, and increased the gun barrel to improve accuracy. Also, the firearms were actively improved. In 1672, Jihwa put all its national strength into the battle to wipe out the pirates with 32 ships and 18,600 troops. After a big victory in the naval battle off Seokdo Island, the remaining troops on the island will be wiped out. Pirates entered the island and resisted until the end, but were defeated by Jihwa forces who prepared for war, which eventually led to the end of history.