Over 51,000 Visitors Attend 5th Geumsan Samgyetang Festival Featuring Medicinal Herbs

High Satisfaction Among Tourists With the Appeal of Samgyetang
Perilla Leaf Rice Cakes, Perilla Leaf Hot Bars, and Perilla Leaf Chicken Gangjeong Also Popular

Photo by Geumsan County

More than 51,000 visitors from all over the country attended the 5th Geumsan Samgyetang Festival, and tourists expressed high satisfaction with the appeal of Samgyetang made with medicinal herbs.

The festival, held from July 18 to 20 at the Geumsan World Ginseng Expo Plaza, enhanced its culinary content and strengthened the region's identity as a healthy city by selling "Millennium Longevity Samgyetang," which is made with ginkgo nuts naturally fallen from the Beoseoksa Ginkgo Tree, a designated natural monument.

In addition, in connection with the "Chungnam Visit Year," the limited-edition "Chungnam 15-Gyetang" captivated visitors' palates by featuring local specialties from all 15 cities and counties in Chungcheongnam-do, including Geumsan ginseng, in a single bowl.

Alongside Samgyetang, a variety of other foods were showcased, including ginseng fries, ginseng latte, and perilla leaf dishes such as perilla leaf rice cakes, perilla leaf hot bars, and perilla leaf chicken gangjeong. Simple snacks like K-Bingsu, stick pork cutlets, rainbow salad, and yukjeon also proved popular.

The Geumsan Medicinal Herb Experience Market not only sold Samgyetang ingredients at prices lower than market value, but also attracted visitors with hands-on programs such as making herbal scalp mist, preparing Ssanghwatang packets, and experiencing herbal foot baths. Foods made with medicinal herbs were also sold, helping to change perceptions about medicinal herb cuisine.

Park Beomin, Mayor of Geumsan County, said, "I hope the Geumsan Samgyetang Festival will increase interest in Geumsan ginseng as a food ingredient," and added, "We will continue to do our best to expand the use of ginseng into the food and beauty sectors."