Page "Yi Sun-sin" Paragraph 9

In 1576, Yi passed the military examination ( 무과 ; 武科 ).

Yi is said to have impressed the judges with his swordsmanship and archery, but failed to pass the test when he broke a leg during the cavalry examination.

After he re-entered and passed the examination, Yi was posted to the Bukbyeong ( Northern Frontier Army ) military district in Hamgyeong province.

However, he was the oldest junior officer at the age of thirty-two.

There, Yi experienced battles defending the border settlements against the Jurchen marauders and quickly became known for his strategic skills and leadership.