This coin depicts admiral Yi Sun-Shin, one of the most important military leaders in Korean History. Born in 1545 Yi Sun-Shin is remembered most for his numerous victories fighting the Japanese during Hideyoshi's Invasions of Korea In 1592 where his innovation, preparation, and brilliance as a strategist allowed him to repel the Japanese attacks and save Korea from either destruction or colonization. Admiral Yi is also remembered for his use, and improvements to, the Turtle Ship a type of heavily armed war ship.

In one of his most impressive battles Yi, Despite being poorly equipped in 1597, defeated a Japanese fleet of 333 battleships with a crew of 100,000 within the Myongryang Straits with only 13 battleships. Admiral Yi's victory at the Battle of Myeongnyang showcased his effectiveness as a strategic commander. Yi won every one of at least 23 naval battles that he fought while suffering very minimal losses and destroying over a thousand Japanese ships. Admiral Yi was killed by a stray bullet in the Battle of Noryang Point in November 1598.