Battle of Pyongyang (1592)

The Battle of Pyongyang (1592) was a military engagement during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598). On 23 August 1592 a Ming force of 6,000 under Zu Chengxun and Shi Ru attacked Pyeongyang and was defeated.

Background
Ming general Zhu Chengxun arrived at Uiju with 5,000 soldiers in mid-August. Together with Shi Ru's army they marched on Pyeongyang.

Battle
Zu Chengxun and Shi Ru arrived at Pyeongyang on 23 August 1592. The Japanese were completely caught unawares. The Ming army was able to take the "Seven Stars Gate" and entered the city. However the Japanese soon realized just how tiny the Ming army actually was, so they spread out, causing the enemy army to stretch out and disperse. The Japanese then took advantage of the situation and counterattacked with gunfire. Small groups of isolated Ming soldiers were picked off until the signal to retreat was sounded. The Ming army had been turned around, driven out of the city, its stragglers cut down. Shi Ru was killed while Zu Chengxun escaped back to Uiju. Some 3,000 Ming soldiers were killed.

Aftermath
Zu Chengxun left for his home province of Liaodong and blamed the Koreans for the defeat. Ming envoys sent to Korea found this accusation groundless.

Konishi Yukinaga traveled south to Hanseong on 12 September and discussed defensive plans for Pyeongyang with Ukita Hideie.

On 6 October 1592, the Wanli Emperor issued an edict to Seonjo of Joseon stating his support in defeating the Japanese.