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Cheondoism flag.svg
Korean name
Hangul 천도교
Hanja 天道教
Revised Romanization Cheondogyo
McCune–Reischauer Ch'ŏndogyo

Cheondoism, spelled Chondoism in North Korean sources[1] (Korean: Cheondogyo; hanja 天道教; hangul 천도교; literally "Religion of the Heavenly Way"), is a 20th-century Korean religious movement, based on the 19th century Donghak neo-Confucian movement founded by Choe Je-u and codified under Son Byeong-hui.[2] Cheondoism has its origins in the peasant rebellions which arose starting in 1812 during the Joseon dynasty.




In keeping with its roots in Confucian thought, Cheondoism venerates Heaven as the ultimate principle of good and justice, and is referred to by the honorific term Hanulnim (하늘님) or “Divine Master”. According to the church doctrine, the term "Hanul" does not only mean Heaven but represents the whole universe.[5][not in citation given] This title implies the quality of Heaven as "instructor", that is a belief that man and things are not created by a supernatural (out of nature) God, but generated by a God that is inner in things.[6] Also in keeping with its Confucian background, Cheondoism places emphasis on personal cultivation in the belief that as one improves their innate nature, one comes closer to Heaven, and that all things are the same as Heaven in terms of their innate quality.[2]


Over time, Cheondoism has also adapted elements of other Korean religious traditions including Taoism and Buddhism.[7]





Cheondoism today[edit]

As of 2005, Cheondoism had about 1.13 million followers and 280 churches in South Korea.[8] Very little is known of the activities of Cheondoists in North Korea. According to official statistics, Cheondoism had 2.8 million adherents in North Korea (12.9% of the total population) as of 2000.[9] Cheondoists are nominally represented in North Korean politics by the minor Cheondoist Chongu Party, currently led by Ryu Mi-yong, a South Korean Cheondoist who defected to the North.

See also[edit]


  5. ^ [1], 천도교개관(영문)-천도교
  6. ^ Lee Chi-ran, p. 16
  9. ^ North Korea



External links[edit]