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1860 – Founding of Donghak
Choe Je-u (최제우) founded Donghak movement (“Eastern Learning”) as a religious movement against Western influence and the corrupt government.
He claimed that the Lord of heaven in their culture (called Haneullim) ordered him to restore harmony and justice. -
Execution of Choe Je-u
The Joseon government viewed Donghak as a threat to Confucian practices of the time and its authority of the people. They executed Choe Je-u.
Because of this event, the followers stead the teachings of the movement in secret. -
Donghak Rebellion
The movement kept growing and the lower class/peasants rebelled. This was an uprising against the foreign invaders that happened at the time. (Koreans have been influenced/invaded an incredible amount of times compared to the surrounding countries, for example the Manchus, the Mongolians, the Chinese, JAPAN) The rebellion is against the invaders and corruption of the Koreans and the invaders. Unfortunately the rebellion was brutally suppressed by the Korean government(followers killed) -
Transition of Donghak to Cheondoism movement name
A new leader called Son Byeong-hui "rebranded" the movement name into Cheondoism called Cheondogyo in Korean (천도교). He wants to change name as to separate themselves from the rebellion that occurred. With Son Byeong-hui, the movement increased in organization and structure. They focused more on social reform, Korean nationalism and personal and societal improvement(instead of rebellion and just independence). -
Role in March 1st Samiljeol (삼일절)
March 1st is a important day in the Korean calendar. It is about the independence movement/anti colonial protest. It started with a peaceful protest by the koreans against the colonization of Japanese. Although it ended with a violent suppression by the Japanese forces leading to many deaths. There where many Cheodoist leaders participating/ playing a role in the independence movement. The newspaper Mansebo that was affiliated to the Chodoist movement was an important tool in the independence. -
Division of Korea, the Movement, and its Change
After Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Cheondoism split within North and South Korea. In North Korea, it was transformed into the Cheondoist Chongu Party (천도교 청우당) Today it is a pro-government part. In South Korea the influence of the movement declined. This could be because of the rise in Christianity and modernization of Korea.