Militia leader in the Imjin and Jeongyu wars who gave grain to Yi Sun-sin and rebuilt Hanpungnu as magistrate of Muju (pen name Seupjeong)
| Life | 1561 ~ 1608 |
| Era | 조선 중기 |
| Clan | 나주 임씨 |
Im Hwan (1561-1608) was a mid-Joseon military figure from Naju, courtesy name Jajung (子中), pen name Seupjeong (習靜). His grandfather was Im Bung, his father Im Jin and his elder brother Im Je. His birth year is given as 1561 or 1564 depending on the source.
He passed the licentiate exam in 1590 and in the Imjin War served as aide to the militia leader Kim Cheon-il. In the Jeongyu war, when Yi Sun-sin ran short of grain at Bohwado, he gave several hundred seok from his own house; he raised militia in Jeolla, became its commander and held Godu fortress, and his force was called the "Jinsa Army".
He served as assistant section chief of Works, magistrate of Muju and of Munhwa; as Muju magistrate he is credited with rebuilding Hanpungnu (Treasure No. 2129). Disliked by powerful court figures, he resigned and trained young scholars at home.
He served as aide to the militia leader Kim Cheon-il, sought out the crown prince who had fled from Ganghwa to Suan to urge him to go south, and after the Japanese withdrew argued in Seoul for founding schools. One record says he could not take part in the Jinju fortress battle.
When Yi Sun-sin's grain ran out he gave several hundred seok, then raised militia in Jeolla and became its commander. He sent appeals to all eight provinces and held Godu fortress against thousands of the enemy, earning the name Jinsa Army; he is also said to have contributed at the Suncheon Waegyo fortress battle.
As Muju magistrate he rebuilt Hanpungnu, now Treasure No. 2129. Disliked by powerful court figures, he left office and trained young scholars at home. His wife's memorial gate stands in Naju.
His tomb was not confirmed here.
His wife, née Yang, is said to have died a martyr, and her memorial gate is Naju Local Heritage No. 36. His descendant Im Jung-won (1726-1788) repaired Hanpungnu at his own expense as magistrate of Muju.