TONGHAK or CHUNTOKYO, a religious system of Korea, founded in 1864. The prime object was to preserve all national customs and ideals and oppose Christianity. Its forms are those of Confucianism but its spirit and voice are those of Buddhism and Taoism. The founder, Choi Jaiwoo ( 1824-64), was a great classical scholar with originality in ethical thought. At 16, having lost his father and being very poor, he wandered round the country from his birthplace, Kungchu, South Korea. He was struck by the chaotic conditions, the corrupt officialdom, the poverty and superstition of farmers, the unrest and misery of the towns, and the intellectual degeneracy of the nation. All this made him feel keenly the lack of a religion which could give the people a fresh vision and courage. Buddhism had been banished to mountain solitudes in the 15th century, Con fucianism was for the upper classes only, so that there was no religion that could direct the destiny of the masses.
Choi Jaiwoo's belief was that Chun or Tien (X god), the creator of all things, made heaven, earth and man; that man is the most intelligent and noble of all creations. Everything exists because there is man, who is as great as God provided he holds fast to God-given qualities. Man, in fact, is God ( A 7) X) ; they are one, not two. To or tao, an infinite being, existent before the creation of the world, is the way to heavenly doctrine. Thus his teaching, Tonghak (A Eastern Learning) was called Chun tokyo ( X Heavenly Way Doctrine).
Since man is the highest of all God's creations, he must enjoy complete freedom and absolute equality. He must realize the
self and develop it to be as noble as possible by emancipating body, mind and soul. Man is thus the core of the universe. The Kingdom of Heaven will exist on earth when all men develop intellectually, socially and spiritually, and for this goal man must pray and work. The founder was accused of heresy and exe cuted on March 1, 1864, in Taiku, South Korea. Choi Sihyung 1827-99) became his successor. He preached the doctrine of his predecessor adding the precept of abstention from flesh, and organized churches throughout Korea. He was hanged for heresy on June 2, 1899. His successor, Son Pyunghi ( Tr* E, 1861-1922) led a Tonghak rebellion. He sent many students abroad and took an active part in the Revolution of 1919; he was put in jail, where he died on May 19, 1922.
The Chuntoists support a number of schools and a college and teach the ideas of western civilization as well as oriental cultural elements. They preach any sacrifice in the cause of humanity and justice. Chuntoist activity in politics and the lack of a doctrine regarding the future life have given rise among Christians to the impression that Chuntoism is not a religious sect ; but Confu cianism, if judged by the two latter criteria, would also be con sidered non-religious.
Chuntoism has grown into one of the most potent forces of Korea to-day. Its most prominent leaders are the educator, Choi Rin, and the philosopher, Paik Inho. (Y. K.)