23 Cheonsong Wild Ginseng Roots Discovered in Jirisan, What Is the Price?

Estimated Age 50-80 Years, 87g Appraised Value 110 Million Won

A Cheonjong wild ginseng estimated to be up to 80 years old was discovered in the Jirisan foothills of Hamyang-gun and Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam Province.

On the 18th, the Korea Traditional Simmani Association announced that recently two herbalists found 23 Cheonjong wild ginseng roots in the Jirisan foothills around Hamyang and Sancheong.

A wild ginseng estimated to be 80 years old was discovered at the foot of Jirisan Mountain.
[Photo by Korea Traditional Simmani Association]

Cheonjong wild ginseng refers to wild ginseng that has sprouted naturally and been passed down for more than 50 years. It is ginseng that has grown for over three generations in a natural state without any artificial interference. According to historical records and scientific studies, Cheonjong wild ginseng is known to be excellent for boosting immunity and restoring vitality.

Currently, Cheonjong wild ginseng has become rare in value, only occasionally seen in the high mountain areas of Gangwon Province due to indiscriminate harvesting of wild ginseng. Because of this, wild ginseng identified as Cheonjong has become so precious that it is said to be "worth whatever price is asked."

The 23 Cheonjong wild ginseng roots discovered this time are estimated to be between 50 and 80 years old. Their total weight is 87 grams, and they have been appraised at 110 million KRW.

A representative of the Korea Traditional Simmani Association said, "This summer, alternating heavy rains and heatwaves caused scorching heat and tropical nights nationwide. However, thanks to the diligence of the herbalists who repeatedly undertook arduous mountain hikes without missing a day, we were able to achieve the success of harvesting Cheonjong wild ginseng." The association also emphasized that since merchants who disguise cheap Chinese ginseng as domestic products are rampant, it is essential to get an appraisal before trading wild ginseng.

Earlier in May, a herbalist in his 40s discovered four Cheonjong wild ginseng roots estimated to be over 100 years old. It is known that he found these four Cheonjong wild ginseng roots along with seven wild ginseng roots while hiking the Sobaeksan foothills in Bonghwa-gun over the weekend.