Divine Herb Grown by Wind, Water & People!

In Korean culture, Ginseng is often seen as a precious gift from the heavens. It holds deep cultural significance as a symbol of health, longevity, and prosperity. Ginseng is commonly given as a gift to convey good wishes and respect, especially during important life events. Its reputation as a "gift from the sky" underscores its rarity and divine-like qualities, reinforcing its status in Korean tradition and society.

Korean ginseng, with its ancient roots in Manchuria and Korea, has been prized for its medicinal benefits, promoting vitality and longevity for millennia. Its superior quality is attributed to Korea's optimal environment, water, and soil conditions, allowing it to grow for an extended period compared to other regions, ensuring optimal development. 

In June, we attended the India Korea Music Festival where we discovered black ginseng. Initially hesitant, CEO Ko and his colleague Jenny convinced us of its benefits through a patient explanation of the production process. Upon tasting, we were pleasantly surprised by its sweetness and impressed by its numerous health advantages, prompting us to conduct an interview. On July 2, 2024, we had the privilege of interviewing CEO Ko and his team members via Zoom. We are immensely grateful for their time and the enlightening discussion about their company and Korean ginseng.

Ko Tae-hoon, CEO of Geumsan Black Ginseng, is dedicated to innovation in product development. With a strong focus on expanding into international markets, he prioritizes quality assurance through GAP certification, ensuring only the finest Geumsan-gun ginseng is selected and processed. Under his leadership, the company has established state-of-the-art production facilities and employs rigorous scientific management to mitigate biological, chemical, and physical risks throughout the entire production cycle, from sourcing to shipping, fostering trust among global clientele.

With the support of Geumsan County and the Geumsan Ginseng Herb Promotion Institute, the joint selection work has achieved great results, and the number of participating farmers is increasing every year.”

Q1.You recently attended the India-Korea music festival, where many Indians showed interest in your stall and tried your products. Please share your experience with us.

We were immensely pleased to attend the music festival, where many Indians enthusiastically tried our products, provided valuable feedback, and made purchases. The positive response from them exceeded our expectations. When we explained the health benefits, their interest grew even more. Additionally, we learned a great deal about the Indian lifestyle, their herbal medicines, and their inclination towards natural remedies. It was fascinating to discover the many common practices between Korea and India in this regard.

Q2. What fascinates you about Black Ginseng? Could you explain the process of production?

CEO Ko reflects, "Ginseng, especially black ginseng, embodies centuries of Korean tradition and healing wisdom. Its potent medicinal effects, particularly in boosting immunity and combating fatigue, captivate me. Black ginseng is known for its antioxidant properties.

What particularly fascinates me about black ginseng is its unique processing method, during the 9 times of repeated steaming and drying of black ginseng, the macromolecular structure in red ginseng is broken down into small molecules, which is more conducive to human body absorption. The absorption rate reaches above 825%. This intensive process not only amplifies the concentration of beneficial compounds like ginsenosides but also mellows its taste, reducing bitterness and enhancing its appeal. This meticulous attention to detail makes it more approachable without compromising its therapeutic potency."

He was captivated by the superiority of black foods such as black rice and black garlic over their white counterparts, much like how black Ginseng offers superior benefits compared to other types of ginseng.

Q3. How do you maintain the quality of Ginseng during the production process?

Ko emphasizes, "Our commitment to quality starts with stringent GAP(Good Agricultural Practices) standards, ensuring our ginseng is free from harmful substances from cultivation to distribution which helps to retain its medicinal integrity throughout every stage of production. Further fortified by GMP and HACCP certifications, our products undergo rigorous testing to mitigate biological, chemical, and physical risks maintaining the highest standards of safety and efficacy.

Q4. How do you plan to launch your products in India? Do you have any particular strategy to hit the Indian market?

After attending the festival, we became eager to enter the Indian market to promote health and well-being among Indians. We are currently in the research and planning phase because we want to understand Indian habits and consumer behavior thoroughly. We continue to recruit professionals for overseas marketing and participate in various overseas exhibitions every year to introduce differentiated products to the global market.

Our products are 100% vegan, which will cater to a larger Indian audience. The strategy would be introducing ginseng candies and toffees, making our products more accessible and affordable. By offering products that resonate with local tastes and preferences, we aim to create a strong connection with Indian consumers and meet their health and wellness needs effectively.

Q5. What's your long-term vision for Ginseng, amidst its growing popularity worldwide? Where do you see black Ginseng positioned in the future?

"Collaboration with local farmers is integral to our vision," states CEO Ko. "By involving skilled hands in the sorting process, we not only enhance product quality but also uplift farmer livelihoods. "Our vision for the future of ginseng, particularly black ginseng, revolves around global expansion and continued innovation. Recently, interest in strengthening immunity has increased due to COVID-19, and inquiries about our products are explosively increasing. As the demand for natural health remedies grows worldwide, we see black ginseng playing a pivotal role in meeting these needs.” 

“Looking ahead, we envision Geumsan black ginseng as a global leader in the herbal medicine industry, recognized for its superior quality and commitment to enhancing health and wellness globally. Through strategic expansions into markets like Vietnam, the US, and Europe, and ongoing product development, we aim to elevate Korean ginseng to new heights, promoting Korean excellence and tradition on a global scale."

Q6. Your special kids’ range is intriguing. Given that Ginseng is commonly associated with adults, if young parents are reading this article, why should they consider giving their children ginseng? Can you provide more details about the benefits of your kids' products?

While ginseng is often linked to adults, our special kids' range shows its benefits for children too. For young parents, here's why ginseng is great for kids:

1. Vitality Boost: Geumheuk Kids’ Core is a healthy liquid pouch containing Korean black ginseng extract, elderberries, pears, bellflowers, ginger, blueberries, and more healthy ingredients.
2. Natural Ingredients: No artificial flavoring, preservatives, sweeteners, or unnecessary additives.
3. Health Benefits: It boosts immunity, improves concentration, enhances blood flow, provides antioxidants, and supports memory.

Q7. What is your favorite product? and what would you suggest to someone new trying your Ginseng?

I highly recommend "Black Ginseng Extract" to everyone. Made from 100% black ginseng (70% body, 30% fibrous root) and concentrated at low temperatures without preservatives, it retains its original taste and aroma. This highly concentrated product improves immunity, reduces fatigue, prevents platelet aggregation, enhances blood circulation, and boosts memory. It's convenient to carry and drink, and if the taste is strong, you can add honey or milk. In summer, I love adding ice to it for a refreshing, healthful alternative to iced coffee.

Q8. Could you share your final thoughts on the reasons behind the potency of Korean Ginseng?

Korean ginseng is renowned as Korea’s most iconic specialty, offering a myriad of health benefits. It is known for its anti-cancer properties, ability to improve blood flow and role in preventing cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis and cerebral infarction. Ginseng strengthens the immune system, boosts memory by protecting brain cells and inhibiting dementia-causing agents, and has an anti-diabetic function by regulating blood sugar levels. It alleviates menopausal symptoms, combats fatigue, enhances stamina and increases stress resistance. Additionally, ginseng improves skin health, provides hangover relief, prevents motion sickness, and supports overall brain health and cognitive function.

We aim to introduce Korean ginseng, renowned for its immunity-boosting and diverse pharmacological benefits, to a global audience. We envision Geumsan Black Ginseng becoming a leading global ginseng brand. 

Editor’s Note:

In the world of herbal medicine, Korean ginseng stands out as a beacon of natural healing, offering a blend of ancient wisdom and modern scientific validation. 

Korean ginseng not only offers numerous health benefits but also enhances farmers' livelihoods. By partnering with local farmers, companies like Geumsan Black Ginseng have become leaders in the industry, contributing to a 10% increase in farmers' income. This dual benefit of promoting health and supporting farmers makes it even more important to promote this natural remedy globally.

From our experience at the India Korea Music Festival to the insightful interview with CEO Ko and his team, we have gained a profound understanding of the excellence and health benefits of Korean ginseng. As we look forward, we are excited about the potential collaborations and opportunities to further share the story and benefits of Korean ginseng with the world.