Get a load of ginseng in Geumsan

Some 5,000 years ago, insam, or ginseng, were first used as medicine in Korea. Ginseng still remains one of the country`s best health items, used as medicine, or taken on a daily basis in the form of tea, cookie and even gum.

The type of ginseng that is found in Korea, China, Japan and Russia is academically termed "Panax ginseng C A Meyer" but is usually referred to as "Goryeo Insam." They are said to be superior in quality as they are raised for at least 180 days rather than the average 120 to 130 days.

Geumsan, located in South Chungcheong Province, is the home of Goryeo Insam. About 80 percent of the country`s ginseng supplies are produced here.



This month, Geumsan is holding its annual Geumsan Insam Festival which will be held from Sept. 18 to 27.

The festival first began in 1981 to promote consumption of ginseng. It may not necessarily be a luxurious experience to participate, but it is surely an educational and wholesome one.

At the festival, the "Geumsan Myeonguigwan (house of noted doctor)" will offer visitors a chance to hear and experience the medicinal effects of ginseng. Visitors can learn about the goodness of moxa cautery of Korean medicine while oriental doctors will offer diagnosis for such symptoms as atopic dermatitis, congenital fever and rhinitis. Those who wish can also receive various types of acupuncture.

At the house of Geumsan Insam, an exhibition will show the cultivation process of ginseng along with various types of ginseng on display.

At the house of international insam trade, diverse ginseng manufacturers will present and sell different ginseng products, ranging from ginseng rice cake to ginseng cosmetics. International trade at the festival has been going on for 12 straight years, and quite successfully, according to organizers. They said it will be a good chance to purchase ginseng products at affordable prices.

The festival has prepared several hands-on experience programs as well.

One can soak their feet in ginseng water and receive a foot massage, or a pack massage.

Organizers also recommend all-time favorites of making ginseng wine and participating in digging and gathering ginseng on ginseng fields.

Organizers said some of the events will be offered for free for foreign nationals, including a ginseng foot bath, making ginseng food and digging ginseng.

The festival will be held at the Ginseng Exhibition Complex and Ginseng Herbal Crossroads in Geumsan-eup, Geumsan County.

Places to visit while in Geumsan include the Insam herb market made up of some 1,200 ginseng stores or the Boseoksa temple built in 886 during the Silla Dynasty, which is famous for its 200-meter-long road of fir trees and 12 nearby waterfalls. At the temple there is a 1,100-year-old ginkgo tree which has been designated as Natural Treasure No. 265.

Geumsan is also a good place to try some ginseng dishes, including ginseng samgyetang (thick chicken soup), ginseng fish porridge (cooked with fresh-water fish from Geumgang River), or a number of other Korean dishes cooked with ginseng.

For more information, call Geumsan County Office at (041) 750-2386.

(angiely@heraldm.com)

By Lee Joo-hee