youiginseng

History and Terms of Ginseng

The ancient medical books introduce Korea ginseng as a well-known 'a marvelous herb' in Korea, China, and Japan.
Even in the period of the Three Kingdoms (B.C. 18-668), Baekje ginseng was very popular and Goryeo dynasty (918~1392) traded ginseng as a major product.
The name 'Korea ginseng' was originated in this period. In the 17th century, Korea, Japan, and China three countries established 'Ginseng Road' and Joseon dynasty's ginseng was at the center of the international trading as well as Japanese silver and Chinese silk. Since this period, the quality and effects of Korea ginseng have been well known not only in China and Japan but also in other countries.

We do not know when ginseng cultivation began.

However, it is clear that the trading of ginseng was facilitated and the public tributary payment became burdensome in the late Goryeo dynasty. That is why some people started to cultivate wild ginseng, and we can consider it as the origin of ginseng cultivation.

Korea became known to the world in the 18th century.

For Western people, Korea was known as the country of ginseng and hats.
In 1737, Jean-Baptiste Bourguignon D'Anville, the French geographer, sketched the map of Korea peninsula as well as some drawings. These drawings illustrates Korean people and emphasizing ginseng and hats.

Tao Hongjing [Doctor, Liang dynasty, 451~536]

"Korea ginseng helps for long life without any toxicity. Even good for long-term use. It is the best herb in the world.

Heo Jun [Doctor, Joseon dynasty, 1546~1615]

"Its appearance looks like a man, but its effect is outstanding.
This nontoxic herb is good for recuperating organs. It stabilizes the mind and soul of a man and improves the power of memory.