Pukkwan campaign

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The Pukkwan Campaign was a series of battles in Hamgyong Province during the Imjin War, from the 16th day of the 9th month of 1592 to the 28th day of the 1st month of 1593. Local people, tired of oppression and abuse by Japanese forces and officials, formed the Righteous Army led by Chŏng Munbu to resist the invasion.

Key events:
- The rebels captured Kyongsong on the 16th day of the 9th month and executed several collaborators, including Kuk Kyŏngin and Chŏng Malsu. Chŏng Munbu then organized his forces into three divisions (center, left, right) with hidden ambush units.
- Katō Kiyomasa pressed his advance into the region, with Kilju as a focal point. The Righteous Army grew stronger, winning support from locals who joined the fight.
- On January 22, 1593, a major ambush at Mach’ŏllyŏng killed about 170 Japanese soldiers with minimal Joseon losses. The Japanese tried to retake Kilju, but the rebels held their ground and continued to strike Japanese supply lines.
- As Ming reinforcements arrived and Konishi’s forces were defeated elsewhere, Katō moved to relieve Kilju. At Paekt’apkyo, around February 28–29, 1593, Joseon forces coordinated a surprise attack that inflicted heavy Japanese casualties, while also suffering losses themselves.
- Katō Kiyomasa finally withdrew toward Anbyon, then Hamhung, and finally back to Hanyang. By February 29, 1593, his army had suffered about 8,864 deaths out of 22,000.

Aftermath:
- The Japanese retreat effectively ended the Pukkwan Campaign in favor of Joseon and the Righteous Army. The rebels dissolved, and command passed to Yun T’agyŏn.
- Chŏng Munbu’s achievements were not fully credited as military leadership; he was recognized mainly for executing rebel collaborators.