Gaesung(開城) was the chief producer of ginseng in pre-Korean War period. However, fame of Gaesung ginseng has dwindled in Korea after the city itself was incorporated into north Korea, which in turn brought about the rise of new centres such as Geumsan(錦山) and Poongki(豊基). This paper looks into the history of Geumsan ginseng, the subject which was not given much attention before.
Geumsan ginseng was different from that of Gaesung in many aspects. First, it was different in kind. While Gaesung ones were red and straight, products from Geumsan was white and curved. Cultivation term was 6 years for the former, whereas the latter mainly 4-5 years. The government also generated policies that was in favor of Gaesung side, but did little for Geumsan because of lack of interest. Although Geumsan ginseng was regarded inferior to Gaesung product, it was still renowned among the class of white ginsengs.
It is currently ascertained that the ginseng field size of Geumsan in early modern era was around 30,000 pyong in 1908, which grew into approximately 70,000 in 1910. Geumsan became the biggest habitat of white ginseng around this time and its production has steadily increased into the colonial period. The farming population has dramatically jumped from about 400 in early 1920s to 1800 in 1930s, while the area from 50,000 pyong to 250,000.
The successful development of Geumsan ginseng in colonial Korea could well be attributed to the endeavors of ginseng farmers. The main threat to the reputation of Geumsan ginseng in the 1920s was the prevalence of imitations. Since Geumsan ginseng was priced higher than ones from other areas, there were many merchants who managed to transform ginsengs from other localities into the genuine for sale, which naturally endangered the market and status of the original. To battle such challenges, Geumsan cultivators have organized Geumsan ginseng union which enhanced product’s inspection and packaging so as to distinguish itself from fakes. As the colonial authorities strengthened control policy of white ginseng in post-1930s, the union restructured itself by orienting from ginseng industry to trade association. Moreover, Geumsan ginseng was designated as the speciality of north Jeolla province, which proved to be an effective tool to combat the Japanese attempt to reduced production fields as well as against fraudulents. Owing to such activities of ginseng farmers, Geumsan ginseng continued to prosper greatly during the colonial era.
The energetic efforts of ginseng cultivators and the resulting growth of Geumsan ginseng during early modern and colonial period of Korea were the ultimate historical background and engine for the product’s leaping development after the Liberation.