Why did European navies not develop ships like the turtle ship?
Short answerBecause European operations prioritized ocean-going endurance and strategic mobility, while turtle ships were specialized for close combat in Korean coastal waters.
NotesA turtle ship could be highly effective in a short-range mauling fight, but European fleets also had to cross open water, maneuver under sail, and remain effective in the North Sea and North Atlantic. The Korean design's shallow, maneuverable hull and oar power suited strong currents and confined littoral operations. Different operating environments therefore produced different balances of armor, mobility, endurance, and seakeeping.