Battle of Noryang - Aftermath

Aftermath

Out of 500 Japanese ships under Shimazu's command, an estimated 150 were able to make it back to Pusan Harbor (However, it is said from other Joseon archives and records that Shimazu's remnants were still being fiercely pursued by the Yi Sun-sin's fleet: only 50 ships of Shimazu's Armada ever managed to escape). Konishi Yukinaga left his fortress on December 16 and his men were able to retreat by sailing through the southern end of Namhae Island, bypassing both the Noryang Strait and the battle. Although he knew the battle was raging, he made no effort to help Shimazu. All the Japanese fortresses were now abandoned and Ming and Joseon ground forces moved up to capture them, claim abandoned supplies and round-up stragglers. Konishi, Shimazu, Katō Kiyomasa and other Japanese generals of the Left Army congregated in Pusan and withdrew to Japan on December 21. The last ships sailed to Japan on 24 December, finally bringing an end to seven long years of war.

Admiral Yi Sun-sin's body was brought back to his hometown in Asan to be buried next to his father, Yi Chong (in accordance to Korean tradition). The court gave him the posthumous rank of Minister of the Right. Shrines, both official and unofficial, were constructed in his honor. In 1643, Admiral Yi was given the title of Chungmugong, "Duke/Lord of Loyal Valor".

Chen Lin gave a eulogy while attending Admiral Yi's funeral. He would then return to Ming China to receive the highest military honors to be bestowed on any Ming commander during the war.