Ginseng is grown all over the world, but ginseng grown in Korea is called “Goryeo ginseng.” Goryeo ginseng is typically shaped like a human body, which is believed to be attributed to Korea’s climate, soil, and specific growing method. Goryeo ginseng is not harvested until it is 180 days old, which is longer than the average growing period of 120 to 130 days in other countries. This is why Korean ginseng has stronger flavor and greater medicinal effects. Koreans started using ginseng as a valuable medicinal herb in folk medicine 4,500 to 5,500 years ago. The special health benefits of Goryeo ginseng were well-known even in China where it was called “the king of all medicinal herbs worth a thousand gold coins.”
Ginseng is categorized into three types according to how and where it is grown. Wild ginseng growing naturally in the mountains and hand-picked by professional gatherers is called “mountain ginseng.” Mountain or wild ginseng was considered an elixir, and it became rare as the demand far exceeded the supply. As a result, people started to grow ginseng on farms. This is called “jaebaesam,” farm-grown ginseng, or cultivated ginseng. Ginseng is planted on the mountains by humans and allowed to grow like wild ginseng. This type of ginseng is called “jangnoisam.”

Located right in the middle of the country, Geumsan instantly brings the word ginseng to mind for most Korean people. In Geumsan, ginseng is still grown in the 1,500-year-old traditional organic farming method. In recognition of this unique heritage, Geumsan ginseng has been listed as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage.
The location of Geumsan in a basin surrounded by mountains rising 400 to 700m above sea makes it an ideal place for ginseng cultivation. The soil originating from the nearby mountains is fertile, and temperatures range widely between day and night to creat the perfect condition for growing ginseng, which is a semi-sciophyte. Harvesting of ginseng starts in July because its saponin content is at its highest in summer. The processing of harvested ginseng is finished by the end of October. Geumsan holds the Samgaetang Festival in July—highlighting the traditional Korean chicken ginseng soup using summer ginseng grown in the area—and the World Ginseng Festival in October when ginseng harvest and processing are finished. The festival includes ginseng picking and other cultural activities and introduces a variety of interesting ginseng recipes.