One of the highlights of my trip to Tongyeong was to visit the four turtle ships moored in the culture plaza at the centre of town. Tongyeong is famous for a historic sea battle that took place about 400 years ago. An invading Japanese fleet was victoriously defeated by Admiral Lee using his sleek distinctive Turtle battleships

In the main culture plaza at the centre of town there are four ships in dock. They are made from long timbers with a slim low design. They do not have sails but are powered by oars.

The front mast displays the turtle head and the top deck of the ship or the turtles back is made up of pointed spears to deter any boarding invaders.

You could go inside three of the four ships where they had exhibits re-enacting daily life at sea. The two small rooms at the front were for the Captain and First Officer

A small steep staircase will bring you to a lower galley where they had four small rooms. This is where the ships doctor would treat seasickness as well as a small weapons store

Although entrance was not allowed there is also a narrow top deck that could be used by archers

Another ship beside had a similar interior layout. This time the small lower deck rooms differed somewhat. Instead of a weapons store there was a kitchen, storeroom, and small sleeping quarters

Along the outer walls were small sized canons used to fire outward on either side. There was a school party visiting and many Korean tourists

Across from the culture plaza with the turtle ships was the Jungang live fish market. I still dont understand why they have live fish markets yet I couldnt find any fish restaurants outside?

The relationship with eating fish in Korea is something I've never understood as I was looking forward to eating some grilled fish on my visit to this coastal town.

Around the Aug 15 National Holiday every year there is a re-enactment of the sea battle when the turtle ships are set out to sea and a massive battle and fireworks finale ensues. I've never been able to come as August is when I travel overseas.

Also an my previous trip I was able to get a good panorama view from up on the hill where the Dongpirang Wall Painting Village is (see earlier entry http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-e ntries/londone7/1/1367261311/tpod.html)