In the final phase of the second Japanese invasion of Korea (1597–1598), Admiral Yi Sun-sin established the Joseon navy's last command post on Gogeum Island, in what is now Wando County. From here, he joined forces with the Ming Chinese navy to confront the Japanese fleet, and this joint operation shaped the closing stage of the entire war. On November 19, 1598 (December 16 by the solar calendar), Yi Sun-sin was killed in action at the Battle of Noryang, at the age of 54.
His remains were not immediately taken to his hometown of Asan. Wando County and national-heritage materials state that they rested at Wolsongdae on Myodang Island for about ten days before being carried to Asan. Today's Chungmusa Shrine honors both Admiral Yi and General Yi Yeong-nam, then commandant of Garipo Garrison. This temporary resting place marks Wando's role in the final maritime phase of the war.
Wando County and national-heritage materials state that Yi's body rested at Wolsongdae for about ten days before being carried to Asan; an 88-day stay until February 1599 is not retained. The site has three layers: the wartime naval headquarters, Wolsongdae as a temporary resting place, and a shrine rebuilt after liberation. Wando County says the shrine was reconstructed on the former Guan Yu shrine site after 1945 and Yi Yeong-nam was enshrined in 1959. The present buildings are not an unchanged 1598 installation. Lunar November 19 and solar December 16 refer to the same death date. Visitors should distinguish military history, funeral movement, and later commemoration.