Korean ginseng is more than just an agricultural product; it is a precious medicinal herb with a long history and deep tradition. In particular, fresh ginseng and red ginseng processed from it have established themselves as representative health supplements that are gaining attention in domestic and international markets.
From the Goryeo Dynasty to the Joseon Dynasty and up to the present, the Korean ginseng market has continued to change through technological development and has maintained its tradition.

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It is said that 6-year-old ginseng grown for 6 years has the best medicinal properties, and red ginseng processed from it is famous. Recently, stick products that are extracted and concentrated have been released.

1. Goryeo Dynasty: From royal tribute to center of international trade

The reputation of Korean ginseng became well known overseas during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). It grew into an important item of international trade, and its excellent quality made it widely known as ‘Goryeo ginseng’, and it gained international fame at the time when it was exported to China and Japan. In particular, it was used as a tonic among the royal family and nobles, and its value as a medicinal herb was highly valued.

2. Joseon Dynasty: Expansion of private cultivation and development of red ginseng manufacturing technology

Entering the Joseon Dynasty, ginseng began to be widely cultivated not only by the royal family but also by the public. As ginseng cultivation technology developed along with the government’s encouragement policy, more people than before were able to access ginseng. One of the important changes during the Joseon Dynasty was the development of red ginseng manufacturing technology. Fresh ginseng, or fresh ginseng, had the disadvantage of being difficult to store for a long time, and red ginseng was developed to solve this problem.
The development of red ginseng manufacturing technology became an opportunity to further enhance the commercial value of Korean ginseng.

3. Modern Market: Vitality of Traditional Market and Growth of Overseas Markets

In traditional markets, various types of fresh ginseng and red ginseng products are still actively traded, and farmers grow ginseng themselves and sell it fresh or distribute it as processed products such as red ginseng, ginseng tea, and ginseng concentrate.
In particular, markets in traditional ginseng cultivation areas such as Ganghwa in Gyeonggi Province, Geumsan in Chungcheongnam-do, and Punggi in Gyeongbuk are famous sales markets. Here, you can easily purchase fresh ginseng, cut ginseng, and red ginseng slices, and local specialties of each region are used to vitalize the domestic market and tourism through local events such as the annual ginseng festival, thereby activating the local economy.

The status of Korean ginseng is also rising in overseas markets. In particular, red ginseng products are gaining attention as health functional foods in China, the United States, and Vietnam, along with the ‘K-health’ craze. Korean ginseng has been proven to be safe and effective based on thorough quality control and scientific research, which has greatly contributed to securing reliability in the global market.
In the past, it was mainly exported to East Asian countries such as China and Japan, but recently, the market has diversified to the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

4. Scientific efficacy and popular perception of red ginseng

Ginseng has been known to have the effects of strengthening the body, nourishing the blood, and strengthening the stomach since ancient times, and its efficacy has been proven through modern scientific research. Fresh ginseng is consumed raw or used as a cooking ingredient, while red ginseng is a product that increases the effective saponin component through the process of steaming and drying fresh ginseng, and is used as a variety of health food.
In particular, saponin (ginsenoside), the main component of red ginseng, is gaining popularity as a health functional food as its various effects, such as enhancing immunity, relieving fatigue, and improving blood circulation, have been scientifically proven. The spread of Korean culture, such as dramas and movies, is also contributing to increasing the interest of overseas consumers in Korean ginseng.

Recently, in addition to fresh ginseng and red ginseng, various processed products using ginseng have been released. Ginseng is used in various fields such as ginseng extract, capsules, candy, tea, cosmetics, and beverages, expanding the range of choices for consumers.
In addition, since ginseng is classified as a food, not a medicine, it has the advantage of being able to be consumed without burden in daily life. Various forms of products—tea, jelly, capsules, beverages, etc.—are being released, making it easier for the younger generation and overseas consumers to access.

5. Conclusion

Korean ginseng is a culture and industry in itself. The tradition of ginseng, which has continued for thousands of years, is not just a health food, but a symbol of the lives and spirit of Koreans. The Korean ginseng market has developed over a long history, and has grown steadily from the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties to the present. In the domestic market, it is provided to consumers in a traditional way, and in the global market, it is growing based on quality and scientific research. Ginseng is an important natural resource that contributes to the promotion of national health, and it is expected to develop further in the future through continuous research and market expansion.

https://chadol51.blogspot.com/2025/02/mooradish-good-for-digestion.html

https://chadol51.blogspot.com/2025/02/mooradish-good-for-digestion.html