Geumsan World Ginseng Festival
🗓️ 2026.10.02 ~ 2026.10.11
The food information for the festival below is based on the previous year’s (2025) festival content; the content for the 2026 festival is currently being updated.
About the Festival
Geumsan, in Chungcheongnam-do, is the home of ginseng, with a cultivation history spanning 1,500 years. The Geumsan World Ginseng Festival draws on this legacy to offer a wide-ranging program of experiences and attractions for all age groups. Among the highlights are ginseng digging experiences, red ginseng pack massages, red ginseng foot baths, the International Ginseng Trade Fair, and traditional ginseng culture experiences. Affordable shopping is another central part of the event, with a range of ginseng products available at accessible prices.
First held in 1981, the festival has taken place annually ever since. Its reputation as an industry-type festival representing Korea is reflected in ten designations as one of the nation’s top 10 best festivals by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as its selection as an IFEA World Asia Specialty Product Festival in 2024. The event continues to evolve into a global festival shared with people from around the world.
Programs and Activities
Main Programs
- Ginseng digging experience trip – A hands-on opportunity to dig for ginseng.
- Red ginseng foot bath experience – A relaxing foot bath using water infused with red ginseng.
- etc.
Side Programs
- Ginseng King contest – A competition to find the year’s finest ginseng.
- Ginseng Festival – A ginseng-themed cultural program.
- Night drone lighting show – An evening drone display.
Consumer Participation Programs
- Geumsan Ginseng art experience – Art activities themed around ginseng.
- Geumsan Ginseng Folk Village – A traditional village experience centered on ginseng culture.
- Family traditional game experiences – Traditional games for families to enjoy together.
- etc.
Visitor Information
📍 Address: 30 Insamgwangjang-ro, Geumsan-eup, Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
🛏️ Accommodation near the event
💰 Fee: Free admission (Some paid activities 2,000 won ~ 5,000 won)
📞 Inquiry: 041-750-2316
⭐️ Instagram: geumsan_travel
🖥️ Homepage: www.insamfestival.co.kr
What is ginseng?
Ginseng is a slow-growing perennial plant whose fleshy root has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in East Asia. The species most commonly used for health purposes is Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng, which is native to Korea and northeastern China. The genus name Panax comes from the Greek for “all-healing,” reflecting the root’s historical reputation as a general tonic.
The plant itself is not conspicuous: it grows low to the ground, with five-lobed leaves and small red berries. The root is the part that is harvested. It takes at least four to six years to mature, and its shape can resemble a human figure; the Chinese name insam (人参) is often translated as “human root.” Traditionally, root shape and age were used as indicators of quality, with older and more anthropomorphic roots commanding higher prices.
In Korean medicine, ginseng is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it is thought to help the body cope with stress and maintain stamina. It is commonly taken as tea, extract, powder, or added to soups and alcoholic preparations. The active compounds, ginsenosides, are the basis for most research into the plant’s effects. Processing determines the final form: fresh ginseng is used raw, white ginseng is air-dried, and red ginseng is steamed and dried. Red ginseng is generally treated as the most concentrated preparation.
Ginseng also occupies a particular place in Korean social life. It is often given to elders and guests as a mark of respect, and its use is not limited to times of illness or fatigue. Geumsan County, in South Chungcheong Province, has been a center of cultivation for over 1,500 years. The region’s climate, soil, and long history of farming make it one of the principal ginseng-producing areas in Korea. The Geumsan World Ginseng Festival, held each year, is organized around the harvest and sale of the root; visitors can watch grading, learn about traditional processing, and buy fresh and dried ginseng from local growers.
