From Ginseng Farming & Medicinal Culture to National Heritage.


Hello, This is GINWORLDART.

Did you know that “Ginseng Farming and Medicinal Culture” has been officially listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in Korea?

This isn’t just about growing a herb—it’s a recognition that centuries-old ginseng traditions and knowledge are an essential part of Korea’s cultural fabric.

In today’s Ginseng Masterclass, we’ll explore Why it became a national heritage, Why it was named “Ginseng” instead of “Korean Ginseng”. 

1. What is “Ginseng Farming & Medicinal Culture”?

This concept goes far beyond planting and consuming ginseng. It represents a living cultural legacy of

  • Farming knowledge: Ginseng is incredibly sensitive—cultivation requires finely-tuned techniques based on soil, shade, planting, and harvesting, all passed down generation to generation and rooted in regional climates and traditions.

  • Medicinal applications: Used in traditional Korean medicine to boost energy and immunity, ginseng is crafted into decoctions, teas, preserves, and tinctures.

  • Lifestyle & beliefs: Ginseng symbolizes health and longevity. It appears in ceremonial meals, folk tales, protective charms, and decorative motifs—reflecting its deep connection to spiritual beliefs.

▶ Ultimately, “Ginseng Farming & Medicinal Culture” is a complex, living heritage born from centuries of interaction between nature, people, and community—not just an agricultural practice but an integral part of Korean identity.

2. The First Agricultural National Intangible Heritage.

The Cultural Heritage Committee officially registered “Ginseng Farming & Medicinal Culture” as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 143

  • Category: Intangible Heritage / Traditional Knowledge

  • Date Registered: December 1, 2020

  • Location: Nationwide

▶ Since this tradition spans all regions of Korea, it's classified as a “community-based heritage” without a single individual or group as its representative.

Also, since intangible heritage registrations have been allowed since 2016, this was the very first time an agricultural tradition earned national recognition.

This decision officially confirms that Korean ginseng, whether wild or cultivated, is not just a crop—it’s a valuable cultural asset worthy of preservation and respect.

3. Why “Ginseng” and Not “Korean Ginseng”?

The naming was debated thoroughly. Many experts suggested “Korean Ginseng” due to its historical brand value, but the Cultural Heritage Committee chose the neutral term “Ginseng” for several key reasons:

  • Avoiding commercial confusion
    “Korean Ginseng” is a widely used trademark. Using it as a heritage name might suggest brand affiliation or provoke trademark disputes. National heritage must remain neutral and inclusive.

  • Embracing cultural evolution
    “Korean Ginseng” often suggests a specific brand or era. In contrast, “Ginseng” allows the tradition to span across different times, regions, and social groups—reflecting its evolving, living nature.

  • Aligning with UNESCO strategy
    “Korean Ginseng” might work better as a globally marketed name if Korea later pursues UNESCO Intangible Heritage listing, while domestically, “Ginseng” keeps the focus broad and inclusive.

▶ This naming decision balances public interest, cultural continuity, depoliticization of heritage, and international strategy. “Ginseng” is neutral, timeless, and preserves tradition without commercial baggage.

4. Medicinal Culture: More Than Just Herbs.

The term “medicinal culture” implies a way of life where ginseng isn’t just medicine—it’s woven into daily rituals through eating, believing, storytelling, and decorating.

*Food & Healing

  • Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) is a summer-strengthening staple—more than just a dish, it's a tradition for vitality.

  • Ginseng preserves (candied ginseng) were once royal treats.

  • Ginseng tea is both a daily wellness boost and a sign of hospitality.

*Rituals & Spirituality

  • Ginseng is a symbol of longevity—called bullocho (immortality herb) and manbyeongcho (cure-all herb)—and shown respect in ancestral rites.

  • In some areas, people carried ginseng as a protective charm or used it in shamanic rituals for spiritual safeguarding.

*Folktales & Legends

  • Tales of devoted children climbing mountains to find ginseng for sick parents highlight themes of filial piety and perseverance.

  • Legends about mountain spirits gifting ginseng reflect reverence for nature and its healing power.

*Symbolism & Design

  • Ginseng motifs appear in traditional embroidery, ceramic and furniture decorations, even on rooftiles—a sign of blessings for health and long life.

  • Today, these motifs can be seen in souvenirs, art pieces, and branding, showing the symbol’s enduring cultural relevance.

5. Why It Deserves National Heritage Status.

This tradition meets several key criteria for heritage preservation:

  • Deep historical roots and nationwide transmission

  • Documented in classic texts since the Joseon Dynasty

  • Intersecting fields: medicine, agriculture, economy, folklore

  • Food, ritual, folktale, craft—cultural vitality in multiple forms

  • Ginseng’s historical role in international trade

  • Supported by farmers’ associations, research institutes, and academic societies

  • Ongoing intergenerational transfer of skilled farming knowledge

▶ Once again, ginseng proves to be more than just a valuable herb—it’s a rich symbol of health, culture, and identity deeply rooted in Korean society.

*Source: This post includes excerpts from the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea’s official material on “Ginseng Farming & Medicinal Culture.”

* Post Summary

  • Listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 143 in December 2020

  • Goes beyond herbal medicine—includes farming, culture, and folk traditions

  • Named “Ginseng” (not “Korean Ginseng”) to remain inclusive and neutral

  • Embraces food, belief, storytelling, and design as part of its rich tradition

  • Recognized as a community treasure, not tied to any single individual or region

Thank you for joining today’s deep dive into the world of ginseng heritage!
At GINWORLDART, we’re committed to sharing the rich cultural legacy of Korean ginseng and its stories. Stay tuned—there’s always more to uncover.

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#Tags

#Koreanbrand #gubunchoskincare #GinsengBenefits #KoreanGinseng #GinsengCulture #IntangibleCulturalHeritage #GinsengFarming #MedicinalCulture #KoreanHeritage #TraditionalKnowledge #KoreanGinsengRoots #CulturalHeritageKorea #UNESCOHeritage #GinsengTradition #HealingHeritage #AsiaCulturalHeritage #GinsengLife #GinsengAndWellness #GinsengHistory #TraditionalFarming #GinsengPreservation #CommunityHeritage #KoreanIntangibleHeritage #HerbalCulture #RootOfKorea #GINWORLDART #GinsengLegacy #HeritageWithoutBorders #LivingTradition #HealingWithGinseng #Gins


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