Kim Chung-son

• Died: 1643
• Other Names: 沙也可 (Sayaka), 募華堂 (Mohwatang)
• Korean: 金忠善 (Kim Chung-sŏn)

Kim Chung-sŏn was a Japanese samurai who took part in the Korean Invasions of the 1590s, and who after surrendering to Korean forces took on Korean identity, and a Korean name, and came to fight on behalf of the Korean king.

It is believed that his Japanese given name was Sayaka; his family name is unknown. He was but one of many samurai who were granted the opportunity to take Korean names and assimilate into Korean society after surrendering to Korean forces during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's invasions. Sayaka, dubbed Kim Chung-sŏn by the Korean king, was appointed commander of a regiment of such former samurai, and assigned to help defend the northern borders. There, he fought many battles against nomadic tribes, including Huzhen and Manchu (Qing) attackers, as well as helping to suppress a number of internal revolts within Korea.

Calling himself Mohwatang, he settled in the village of Unoktong, in Dalseong, a section of the city of Daegu in southern Korea.

References

• Arano, Yasunori. “The Formation of a Japanocentric World Order.” International Journal of Asian Studies 2:2 (2005). pp204-205.