Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cheondogyo" in Korean
“Cheondogyo” in Korean is 천도교 (pronounced "Cheondogyo").
천도교
Cheondogyo
Usage & Context
Cheondogyo is a uniquely Korean religion that emerged in the 19th century, blending elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism. It emphasizes the divine nature of humanity.
Example Sentence
천도교는 한국에서 만들어진 종교입니다.
Cheondogyo is a religion created in Korea.
How to use 천도교 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cheondogyo” is 천도교, romanized as Cheondogyo.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 천도교.
Pronunciation Guide
천도교 (Cheondogyo) is pronounced "chun-doh-gyo." 'Cheon' sounds like 'chun' in 'chunk,' 'do' like 'dough,' and 'gyo' like 'yo' with a 'g' sound, similar to 'gyo' in 'gyoza.'
More Example Sentences
A history lecture explaining the origins of Cheondogyo.
천도교는 동학에서 발전한 한국 고유의 종교입니다.
Cheondogyo is a unique Korean religion that developed from Donghak.
Discussing historical figures related to Korean independence movements.
손병희 선생은 천도교의 중요한 지도자 중 한 분이셨어요.
Mr. Son Byeong-hui was one of the important leaders of Cheondogyo.
Explaining the philosophical tenets of Cheondogyo.
인내천 사상은 천도교의 핵심 교리 중 하나입니다.
The 'Innaecheon' ideology is one of Cheondogyo's core doctrines.
Cultural Context
천도교 (Cheondogyo) is a fascinating and uniquely Korean religion that originated from the Donghak Peasant Revolution in the late 19th century. Its core tenet, 인내천 (Innaecheon), meaning "Man is Heaven," emphasizes the inherent divinity and equality of all human beings. While not as widespread as Buddhism or Christianity in modern Korea, it played a significant role in Korean nationalism and independence movements, and its philosophical influence can still be felt in certain aspects of Korean thought.
Editorial note
We review entries like 천도교 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
천도교 사상
Cheondogyo ideology
천도교 성지
Cheondogyo holy site
천도교 교리
Cheondogyo doctrine
Related Expressions
동학
Donghak
Donghak (predecessor movement)
인내천
Innaecheon
Man is Heaven (core doctrine)
종교
Jonggyo
Religion
민족 종교
Minjok jonggyo
National religion (often used for Cheondogyo)
More Religion Words
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