Turtle Ship

Hello from the sea. My name is the Turtle Ship. I am a very special kind of boat. I float on the big, blue water. Can you guess why I have that name. It is because my roof is big, strong, and curved, just like a turtle’s shell. My shell keeps me safe and sound. I was made to be strong and to help people. I love bobbing in the waves and feeling the cool water splash against my sides. It feels so nice to be a protector on the sea, helping everyone feel safe while I float along. I am a happy, strong boat.

My best friend was a very brave man named Admiral Yi Sun-sin. He lived in a country called Korea a long, long, long time ago. Around the year 1592, he needed a super strong boat to help protect his home. So, he helped make me. He gave me my strong turtle shell roof to keep the sailors inside safe. He also put pointy spikes all over my roof. Ouch. The spikes made sure nobody could climb on top of me. My favorite part is my big dragon head at the front. Roar. My dragon head can breathe out big puffs of smoke. The smoke helps me hide in a big, white cloud. It is like playing peek-a-boo on the ocean.

My job was to be a guardian of the sea. I floated proudly on the water, like a floating protector. With my strong shell and my brave sailor friends, I helped keep everyone safe from harm. I felt so proud when I helped them. I was slow, but I was very, very strong. Even today, so many years later, people in Korea remember me. They think of me and my friend, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and they feel proud. I show everyone how a clever idea and a brave heart can help many, many people and keep them safe and sound.