Korean Dictionary
How to say "Cheondogyo Religion" in Korean
“Cheondogyo Religion” in Korean is 천도교 (pronounced "cheondogyo").
천도교
cheondogyo
Usage & Context
Cheondogyo is a Korean indigenous religion that evolved from the 19th century Donghak movement. It emphasizes the divinity within every human being and equality for all people. It played an important role in the 1919 March First Independence Movement.
Example Sentence
천도교는 한국의 고유 종교 중 하나예요.
Cheondogyo is one of Korea's indigenous religions.
How to use 천도교 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Cheondogyo Religion” 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
For 천도교 (cheondogyo), 'Cheon' sounds like 'chun' in 'chunk'. 'Do' is pronounced like the English word 'doe'. 'Gyo' sounds like 'gyo' in 'gyoza' but with a slightly softer 'g' sound. The stress is relatively even across the syllables.
More Example Sentences
Explaining the origin and nature of Cheondogyo.
천도교는 동학에서 발전한 한국의 민족 종교예요.
Cheondogyo is a Korean indigenous religion that developed from Donghak.
Discussing the historical significance of Cheondogyo in the independence movement.
3.1 운동 때 천도교 지도자들이 중요한 역할을 했어요.
Cheondogyo leaders played an important role during the March First Movement.
Explaining the core philosophy of Cheondogyo.
천도교는 '사람이 곧 하늘'이라는 사상을 강조해요.
Cheondogyo emphasizes the idea that 'humans are heaven themselves.'
Cultural Context
Cheondogyo is an indigenous Korean religion that evolved from the Donghak (Eastern Learning) movement, founded by Choe Je-u in the 19th century. Its central tenet, 'Innaecheon' (인내천, 'Man is Heaven'), emphasizes the inherent divinity within every human being, promoting equality and dignity for all. Cheondogyo played a crucial role in Korean nationalism and the independence movements, most notably the 1919 March First Movement, making it a significant part of modern Korean history and identity.
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/thought
천도교의 역사
The history of Cheondogyo
천도교와 동학
Cheondogyo and Donghak
Related Expressions
동학
Donghak
Eastern Learning (the predecessor movement)
인내천
Innaecheon
'Man is Heaven' (Cheondogyo's core tenet)
민족 종교
minjok jonggyo
Indigenous/national religion
3.1 운동
Sam-il Undong
March First Independence Movement
More Korean History Words
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