Cheondogyo Temple

The architectural fusion of East and West in this superb temple building echoes the East-West fusions of Cheondogyo’s idealistic philosophy. Designed by a Japanese architect and constructed in 1921, this is a handsome baroque-style, red-brick and stone temple with a tower. Inside, the wood panelling, lines of chairs and plain decoration create an impression of a lecture theatre, although there are stained-glass windows. A pamphlet on this indigenous religion, known as the Heavenly Way, is available in English. It’s members were key figures in the Donghak rebellion and the independence movements opposed to Japanese rule. The founder, Great Master Suun (1824–64), was executed for being a radical reformer. Followers believe that God is within everyone. Services (featuring lots of bowing) are held every Sunday at 11am, attended by 100 mainly middle-aged worship­pers. Men sit on the left and women on the right.