How to watch

Yi Sun-sin is one of Korea's greatest national heroes, famous for defending Joseon against Japanese invasion during the Imjin War of 1592–1598. Kim Han-min brought three of his most famous battles to the screen, each with a different lead actor playing the admiral: Choi Min-sik, Park Hae-il and Kim Yoon-seok. The first film, The Admiral: Roaring Currents, remains the most-watched film in South Korean box office history.

🕐 Release Order

The films were released in this order, with the 2014 blockbuster arriving eight years before the prequel.

1. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014)
2. Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022)
3. Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023)

Because Roaring Currents was such a massive hit, the follow-ups were designed to fill in the history around it. Hansan jumps back in time, while Noryang concludes the war — meaning the story chronology differs from the release order.

📖 Story Chronology

Watching chronologically follows the Imjin War from Yi's early triumph at Hansan Island to his final battle at Noryang.

1. Hansan: Rising Dragon (2022) — Battle of Hansan Island, 1592
2. The Admiral: Roaring Currents (2014) — Battle of Myeongnyang, 1597
3. Noryang: Deadly Sea (2023) — Battle of Noryang, 1598

Which Order Should You Choose?

For first-time viewers, chronological order is the most rewarding way to experience the trilogy. Starting with Hansan shows Yi at the height of his tactical genius with his famous turtle ships, which makes his desperate stand with just a handful of ships in Roaring Currents even more powerful, and Noryang lands as a moving conclusion. Release order works too, though, since each film was made to stand on its own. Whichever path you choose, expect spectacular naval combat and a gripping slice of Korean history.

🔗 Related Guides

• Train to Busan Watch OrderGuide
• The Roundup Watch OrderGuide
• Kingdom Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!