Posts

Is Ginseng Bad for People with a “Hot” Body Type?

Image
  A Lesser-Known Fact About Ginseng During the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, ginseng was considered so valuable that ordinary people were not allowed to consume it freely. This was not because ginseng was thought to be dangerous or “too heating,” but because it was regarded as a precious medicinal ingredient capable of significantly influencing the body’s vital energy. For this reason, ginseng has long been viewed not as an everyday food, but as something to be consumed carefully, with close attention to one’s physical condition. So, how true is the commonly heard claim today: “Ginseng is bad for people who have too much heat in their bodies”? Is Ginseng Really a “Heating” Food? In traditional East Asian medicine, ginseng is classified as having a warming nature. This classification often leads to the assumption that ginseng simply raises body temperature or generates excess heat. However, “warming” does not mean that ginseng aggressively increases heat in the body. ...

Why Is Ginseng Best Harvested in Autumn?

Image
  When the first snow begins to fall, what kind of changes occur inside the roots of ginseng? Ginseng is known as a plant that responds quite sensitively to seasonal changes. In particular, the period from late autumn to early winter—when temperature and daylight decrease rapidly—is considered an important phase in terms of ginseng’s growth cycle and changes in its components. According to various studies, the main active compounds in ginseng, known as saponins (ginsenosides), can vary in both content and composition depending on environmental factors such as temperature, sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and harvest timing. For this reason, many ginseng farmers have traditionally regarded the moment when cold winds begin to blow—namely late autumn to early winter—as an important reference point for deciding when to harvest. This is interpreted as a result of ginseng adjusting its internal physiological activity in response to changes in the external environment. As the Se...

Ginseng and Immunity — Why People Reach for It Every Winter

Image
  📌 Introduction: What Happens to a Ginseng Root on the First Snow? Ginseng is one of the plants most sensitive to seasonal changes. Studies suggest that the levels of ginsenosides (ginseng’s key active compounds) can vary depending on temperature, sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and harvest timing . For this reason, many farmers traditionally consider the beginning of cold weather an important indicator for harvesting. It reflects the plant’s natural tendency to adjust its internal components as the environment changes. For humans, however, winter is a season when the body’s immune defenses naturally weaken . Cold air, dryness, indoor heating, reduced sunlight, and lowered activity levels all combine to create conditions where our immune system can be more easily disrupted. This intersection— ginseng gaining strength while human immunity struggles —explains why ginseng has been a trusted winter health remedy for generations, supported not only by tradition but also by ...

What’s the Difference Between Ginseng and Red Ginseng?

Image
 A Korean Ginseng Manufacturer Explains the Top 5 Questions We Hear Most Often** Both domestic and international customers often ask us the same question: “What’s the real difference between ginseng and red ginseng?” As a company that works with Korean ginseng every day—from raw materials to finished products—we would like to clarify the points that many people find confusing. 1. The Key Difference: How It’s Processed Ginseng refers to fresh, unprocessed roots. Red ginseng , on the other hand, is made by steaming and drying ginseng through a traditional processing method. Ginseng (수삼/백삼) : Naturally dried or used fresh Red Ginseng : Steamed and dried repeatedly, developing its signature reddish color From a manufacturer’s perspective, red ginseng is a more stable, long-lasting form of ginseng that enhances and preserves the ingredient’s value. 🔍 Ginseng vs. Red Ginseng at a Glance Category Ginseng Red Ginseng Processing Fresh or simply dried Steamed → Dried ...

The Korean Ginseng Museum: Where Tradition Meets Modern Seoul 'GINWORLDART'

Image
  A Hidden Gem Near Gyeongbokgung Palace Tucked away near the royal gates of Gyeongbokgung Palace , the Korean Ginseng Museum stands as a rare intersection of history, art, and wellness. This beautifully renovated museum celebrates one of Korea’s oldest traditions — ginseng cultivation — through modern digital art and immersive storytelling. Experience Ginseng Like Never Before Unlike typical museums, this space is designed for experience , not observation. High-resolution projectors and soft ambient lighting recreate the life of ginseng — from seed to sprout to the iconic red-berried root. The combination of sound, motion, and visuals transforms each gallery into a living forest, where light seems to breathe and grow with the plant itself. Tradition Meets Science Here, you’ll discover how ginseng became more than just a root — a symbol of vitality and longevity in Korean culture. The museum also highlights modern scientific studies on ginsenosides and their proven benefi...

Halal Food: Why Is It Growing So Rapidly Around the World?

Image
  1. What Does ‘Halal’ Mean? The word “Halal” comes from Arabic and means “permissible” or “allowed.” It refers to foods that comply with Islamic law (Sharia), which distinguishes between what can and cannot be consumed. For example: Prohibited (Haram): Pork, blood, alcohol Permissible (Halal): Beef, lamb, chicken, seafood → but only if processed in a hygienic and humane way That’s why the Halal certification mark is not just a religious label. It also represents food that is clean, safe, and ethically produced. 2. How Big Is the Market? The table below shows just how massive the global halal food market is—and how fast it is expanding. Category Market Size Notes 2024 USD 2.714 trillion About KRW 3,700 trillion 2033 USD 5.911 trillion More than double the size CAGR (2025–2033) 8.92% Higher than most industries Regional share, 2024 Asia-Pacific 48.5% Nearly half of the global market For perspective, the 2024 halal food market size (USD 2.7 trillion) is five ti...

Why Are People Around the World Turning to Korean Ginseng?

Image
  The Global Health Trend and the Rise of Korean Ginseng In recent years, there has been a growing global interest in wellness and natural dietary supplements. Korean ginseng, long known for its benefits in restoring energy and supporting immunity, fits right into this global health movement and has attracted strong attention from consumers abroad. As of 2023, the global trade volume of ginseng roots was valued at USD 339 million , marking a growth of more than 7% compared to the previous year. Among this, Korea’s ginseng exports accounted for around USD 91.8 million (about 398 tons) , making Korea one of the world’s leading ginseng exporters. From Asia to the U.S. – Expanding Export Markets Traditionally, Korean ginseng has been highly popular in Asian markets such as China, Hong Kong, and Japan. In China, where gift-giving during Lunar New Year is a major tradition, Korean ginseng is often seen as a premium present. More recently, the demand has spread to Vietnam, the Unit...