Ginseng is considered by many to be the world’s most porent natural medicine. Yeongju-si, a major manufacturing place of ginseng, will hold the Punggi Ginseng Festival from October 2 to 6 in hopes of prosperity and a good harvest. Located in the foothills of the Sobaeksan Mountains, designated a national park due to the rugged mountain range and fantastic splendor of the region, the Punggi area has long been a habitat for wild ginseng. It is recorded that the wild ginseng from this area had been given to foreign dignitaries as gifts as early as the year 700. In the sixteenth century, the region found a way to farm ginseng and became one of Korea’s major producers of this potent herb. The festival grounds will host many events and showcase traditional local foods made using ginseng. Visitors can participate in ginseng digging or experience cooking with the health herb
