• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.25_1
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• pp.87-119
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• 2015

Typology of religious organization is a useful analysis from the stand point of sociology of region. A study on the change of type of religious organization according to typology is a academic responsibility. This study can also make a religion prepare theoretical shape for the future of the religion. Although Daesoonjinrihoe now becomes a established sect, Daesoonjinrihoe should retain characteristics as a alternative sect. This feature as a alternative sect is an important identity of Daesoonjinrihoe which was established to criticize and overcome established sect. Dotongjingyeong is an ideal world of Daesoonjinrihoe. The foundation of Dotongjingyeong as an ideal world is essential value and reason of existence of Daesoonjinrihoe. For this reason, Daesoon jinrihoe should not just maintain its position but lead to reach the Dotongjingyeong here and now. Dotongjingyeong which should be built here and now is beyond Daesoonjinrihoe as a religious organization, because Dotongjingyeong is new heaven and new earth. Daesoonjinrihoe should put an guard against trial and error through change of type. Otherwise, Daesoonjinrihoe can not retain characteristics as an alternative sector. Now Daesoonjinrihoe may be at a revolutionary turning point for the foundation of Dotongjingyeong.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.35
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• pp.427-476
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• 2020

Park Wudang formally registered Daesoon Jinrihoe in 1969. While it shares ideas and history with other Jeungsanist groups, this paper argues that its organizational profile is unique. The two major institutional structures, the bonbu (headquarters) and the bangmyeon (branch) have together created space for the rapid development of this Korean new religion. The bonbu is a centralized hierarchy, while the bangmyeon exhibits the strong loyalty and cohesiveness of the clan. Running throughout both structural forms is the lineage concept, which is conceived here as an articulating paradigm able to operate in different organizational forms. This finely-balanced institutional structure makes a major contribution to Daesoon Jinrihoe's ability to fulfill its religious mission. The first side of this balance is the headquarters, which includes the core organization based in Yeoju as well as some outside temples and training centers. All of these were established under the direction of the Lord of Principle, the Dojeon, Park Wudang. Park Wudang also fixed the Dao Constitution, the Doheon, which serves as a blueprint for governance. From the Central Council to the various institutions for propagation, guidance, and auditing, current management practices conform closely to Park Wudang's organization vision. The second aspect of Daesoon Jinrihoe's organization is the branch structure. The larger branches, such as Yeongwol and Geumreung, are complex organizations in their own rights. The paper concludes by characterizing the two major axes of headquarters and branch as organizational types. Using Robert Quinn and Kim Cameron's institutional typology, the paper concludes that the bonbu is a classic centralized hierarchy with its focus on efficiency. The bangmyeon, in contrast, with its high level of group identity and spirit, comes approximates the clan institutional structure.