Origins and appellations

The most famous ginseng is mainly grown in Korea. necessary] The Koreans call it "insam" (인삼 or 人参), the root in the form of man or "goryo insam" (고려 인삼 or 高麗 人参). Indeed, an old root can take an anthropomorphic look (a trunk with two arms and two legs). The word "ginseng" comes from Mandarin Chinese "renshēn", "ren" refers to "man", and "shēn" means "root" 2 (simplified: 人参, traditional: 人蔘). "Rénshēn" became ginseng as an English pronunciation of the Japanese way of reading these Chinese characters. However, today, the Japanese word for these characters, "ninjin" (人参?), Means "carrot", and in Japanese ginseng is called "chosen ninjin" (朝鮮 人参?), From Choson (朝鮮?) (Joseon Period), name of the last ruling dynasty of Korea.
Ginseng must be grown for at least 6 years3 for the rhizome4 to mature and acquire all its qualities. Depending on the age of the plant, the root will sell at higher or lower prices. However, it is in all cases an expensive product, because its culture requires a lot of care. The ginseng trade is heavily supervised by the South Korean state, to ensure the quality of the Korean Ginseng label. Its quality is then recognized by a Korean state seal: "Korean Office of Monopoly". It happens regularly that in Korea a lucky walker discovers a wild ginseng. The rhizome will then be auctioned at unimaginable prices. necessary]