Narrator: Hong Daesik has stumbled upon something
truly rare.
Narrator: It's a ginseng root
that grew naturally in the wild,
and it will sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Narrator: But most other classes of ginseng
won't sell for anywhere near this much.
So what makes this root so special?
And why is wild ginseng so expensive?
Ginseng is one of the most popular herbs in the world,
but there's a wide range for what it'll cost you.
On average, a single ginseng root
found growing naturally in the wild in South Korea
can cost thousands of dollars, depending on its age.
Farmed ginseng, on the other hand,
could only cost about $25 for 10 roots in South Korea.
The third category is in the middle.
It's called wild-simulated ginseng,
and it can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
For 28 years, Hong Daesik has been growing
and harvesting wild-simulated ginseng
in the mountains around Suncheon, South Korea.
Wild ginseng used to grow here naturally,
but demand for the herb has led to overharvesting,
making it incredibly rare to find today.
Which is why harvesters have moved to growing
the similar-looking but less expensive
wild-simulated variety.
In order to harvest wild-simulated ginseng,
Daesik has to plant seeds.
But growing this type of ginseng
may not be worth the hassle.
In fact, 90% of the wild-simulated plants
Daesik grows won't survive.
Narrator: This is partly due
to the plant's need for ample shade
and its sensitivity to high temperatures,
overhumidity, and disease.
When grown in forests,
ginseng is also vulnerable to hungry animals.
Narrator: After eight years, Daesik can begin
harvesting the ginseng he's planted.
Harvesting these roots requires special attention and care.
Daesik must dig around the root,
being careful not to damage any part of it.
Narrator: Roots that grow in forests
are often much smaller, knobbier,
and have more growth scars.
Similar to trees, growth scars on ginseng
can be used to determine its age.
And the more scars, the higher the price.
Narrator: But the most expensive ones
are both old and found naturally in the wild.
Narrator: So, why are older and wilder
ginseng roots so valuable, anyway?
Older roots are believed to have
higher concentrations of ginsenosides,
the all-star bioactive ingredient of ginseng
that many believe gives it medicinal benefits.
Higher concentrations of these compounds
are believed to make the root more potent.
But not all of ginseng's benefits
have been scientifically verified.
While some studies suggest ginseng has medicinal benefits,
like reducing pain and improving learning,
other studies debate its effects.
This study suggests "ginseng is no more effective
than a placebo in enhancing physical performance."
And this larger study suggests that
"the clinical efficacy of ginseng
remains to be established."
Once harvested, ginseng spoils quickly at room temperature.
So fresh roots are typically consumed immediately,
brewed in tea, or preserved in liquors.
Because of its short shelf life,
a majority of the ginseng products you'll find in stores
are sold in liquid, dried, or powdered forms.
Since 2011, wild-simulated ginseng has been listed
as a "special forest product" in South Korea,
with everything from cultivation to distribution
controlled by the Korean government.
And like other labeling certifications,
wild-simulated products in Korea
need to pass inspections to guarantee
their quality and authenticity.
This helps ensure the product
is high quality and sustainable,
while giving ginseng harvesters, like Daesik,
the opportunity to profit from the crop.
And as demand for alternative medicines
and healthy foods increases, the pressure to supply
wild and simulated ginseng will also likely grow.
Which is why creating a sustainable market for ginseng
is more important than ever.