In the Siege of Haengju, which occurred during the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea), approximately 3,000 Joseon soldiers led by General Kwon Yul defended the Haengju Fortress against an overwhelming force of more than 30,000 Japanese warriors. The confrontation took place in the early stages of a broader conflict that saw Japan attempting to conquer Korea as a pathway to invading China. The stronghold at Haengju was strategically significant due to its location on the Han River, allowing the Joseon forces to effectively mobilize their limited numbers against the larger enemy contingent.

General Kwon Yul organized the defenses with a combination of fortifications, tactical planning, and the morale of his troops. Employing strategies such as ambushes and the use of firepower, including cannons and archers, the Joseon forces were able to inflict heavy casualties on the Japanese troops, who underestimated the fortitude and resolve of their adversaries. As the siege dragged on, Japanese forces, unfamiliar with the local terrain and combustion tactics of the defenders, began to falter, ultimately retreating in disarray despite their superior numbers.

This remarkable victory for the Joseon defenders contributed to the larger effort to repel Japanese forces from Korean territory, highlighting both the resilience of Korean soldiers and the significance of well-planned defensive strategies during warfare. The siege is remembered not only for the immediate military success but also as a testament to the capacity of a smaller, well-prepared force to hold its ground against a much larger enemy, inspiring future generations during ongoing conflicts.