The World's Best Ginseng is Here

One of the reasons why Korean food is gaining popularity is not only because of its taste but also because it is perceived as healthy. Recently, the global food trend has been shifting toward healthy eating, organic products, and natural ingredients. And there is a perfect fit for this trend—K-food.

That is Insam(인삼), known as Korean ginseng.

▲Insam Berry(Ginseng Berry)
Image Source : Geumsan Culture and Tourism Foundation

The oldest record of Insam in Korean history dates back 1,500 years to the Silla Dynasty.
It was known as a miraculous elixir with exceptional effects in preventing and treating various diseases, leading to its cultivation.

Health Benefits of Insam

▲Geumsan Insam(Korean Ginseng)
Image Source : Geumsan Culture and Tourism Foundation

✅ diabetes improvement
✅ Immune function recovery, fatigue reduction
✅ Prevention of arteriosclerosis and hypertension, stress relief
✅ Improvement of various types of anemia, anti-inflammatory effects
✅ Memory enhancement
✅ Prevention of gastric ulcers

In the 16th century, as Westerners expanded into Asia, they became aware of Insam.
In 1617, a British East India Company official described Insam as being as valuable as silver. Since then, Insam has been exported to the West and remains widely known as Korean ginseng today.

Q. Insam = Ginseng? If you’re curious, feel free to check out this YouTube Video.

Geumsan Insam,
a top brand of Korea Ginseng

Geumsan is known as the home of Insam.

Insam is a specialty product of Geumsan in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, recognized not only in Korea but also worldwide for its value. It is registered as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System(GIAHS). Foreign economic delegations even visit Geumsan to tour its Insam industry and agricultural sites. The Geumsan World Insam Festival, held every October, has been an annual event since 1981.

▲Geumsan Insam Character
Image Source : Geumsan-gun

Geumsan-gun is the first in the country to establish a comprehensive safety management system for the entire Insam production process and fully covers the cost of safety inspections. In addition to its exceptional quality, this high level of reliability makes Geumsan Insam a prized food in Korea, often chosen as a premium gift.

Are you looking for high-quality Korean ginseng at a reasonable price?

Now, Let’s introduce an online store run by local farmers in Geumsan who grow, produce, and sell their own Insam products. While domestic customers can easily find such stores, this information may not be as well known to international buyers.

Happy Hongsam, Korea Ginseng Shop

Who are they?

The Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs presents ‘the New Knowledge Farmer Award’ to farmers across the country every year. ‘Happy Hongsam(행복한 홍삼)‘ has received this award and has been cultivating and selling Insam products for two generations.

By eliminating the complex distribution structure, they have reduced consumer prices through a direct trading system. In addition to cultivating Insam and manufacturing Hongsam products, they also operate a Hongsam experience program.

Check out Happy Hongsam’s Instagram here.

▲Happy Hongsam Logo
Image Source : Happy Hongsam Brand Story

What is Hongsam(홍삼)?

In fact, there are several types of Insam.

Based of the growing environment, it is categorized into Jaebaesam(재배삼 · Ginseng cultivated on plantations), Jangnoesam(장뇌삼 · Ginseng cultivated in the wild), Sansam(산삼 · Wild ginseng).

Depending on the processing method, it is classified as Saengsam(생삼 · Fresh ginseng), Baeksam(백삼 · White ginseng), Hongsam(홍삼 · Red ginseng), Taegeuksam(태극삼 · Taegeuk ginseng).

Hongsam is made by steaming fresh Saengsam and then drying it, making it suitable for long-term storage.
It is said that even individuals with sensitivities to Insam(Ginseng) can consume Hongsam without any issues. It comes in various forms, including extract, powder, capsules, and tea.

Best Hongsam Products