Geumsan World K-Insam Festival

Welcome to your K-local food trip! Let’s turn our attention to Geumsan ginseng—Korea’s signature health food, known for its deep flavor and nourishing power. For centuries, ginseng has been used in Korea not just as medicine, but also as a way to nourish the body. Geumsan, in Chungcheongnam-do, is known as the birthplace of Korean ginseng. Today, it’s still the center of ginseng production and trade. In Geumsan, ginseng isn’t just a health food—it’s turned into tasty dishes that are full of flavor. If you walk through Geumsan’s traditional markets or along Ginseng Street, you’ll find all kinds of dishes made with ginseng. The most popular one is samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup—sam actually means ginseng in Korean. This healthy dish features a whole chicken simmered in a rich broth with ginseng, making it both flavorful and good for your body. In Geumsan, the soup is especially fragrant and smooth, thanks to the generous use of mild, high-quality ginseng. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try fried ginseng. It might sound strange to fry an herb, but once it’s cooked, it turns into a crispy snack with a hint of sweetness and a surprisingly nice flavor. You can also enjoy ginseng in other ways—like red ginseng candies, lattes, or snacks made with concentrated ginseng extract. In Geumsan, ginseng isn’t just healthy—it’s also delicious. Come and taste all the different ways this traditional root is enjoyed, right where it’s grown.