Tasting Geumsan’s Famous Ginseng | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Daedunsan (878m) is the main mountain (jinsan) of Jinsan, as written in Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam, and belongs to Geumsan land, so it can be called the mountain of Geumsan. Just as Beopjusa Temple belongs to Sogrisan, the old temple Taegosa, which has Daedunsan as its main mountain, is also located in Geumsan. Although the part of Geumsan within the entire Daedunsan area is small, the root of Daedunsan lies at Taegosa—famous for Manhae Han Yongun's quote: "Do not speak of scenic spots of the world without seeing Taegosa." In the past, Daedunsan was recognized as Geumsan’s mountain, but with large developments on the Wanju side attracting visitors, it has come to be seen as Daedunsan of Jeonbuk or Wanju. It may not be possible to call it solely Geumsan’s Daedunsan, but it is hoped to establish joint recognition as "Daedunsan of Geumsan and Wanju." It is a mountain with two provincial parks. Administratively, the Jeonbuk side belongs to Wanju-gun alone, but the Chungnam side is divided between Geumsan-gun and Nonsan-si. Daedunsan has many oddly shaped rocky peaks with beautiful and clean rock formations. Though not large, it has a grand taste and a charming, intricate appeal. One side features dense forest and beautiful valleys. In autumn, the fall foliage combined with the bizarre peaks is enchanting. It is also a historic site of the Imjin War, and on a cliff in front of the world-famous Taegosa Temple engraved with the words 'Seokmun [石門]' written by scholar Song Si-yeol of the Joseon Dynasty, various legends are associated. The scenic and excellent Daedunsan has distinct characteristics depending on whether you are in the Geumsan, Nonsan, or Wanju areas, making it interesting. Geumsan has the Imjin War historic sites and the renowned Taegosa Temple; Nonsan features good forests, valleys, and streams; Wanju has bizarre peaks rising like a forest and various conveniences. Hiking trails include ascending from Jinsan-myeon Hyangjeong or crossing the mountain slope from Baetijae to Taegosa and then to Nakjodae. On the Nonsan side, starting from Surak-ri, passing the victory monument and observing Hwarang, Geumgang, and Biseon Falls along Surak Valley, climbing 196 stairs to Gosrak (a pure Korean word meaning 'summit') offers great views; on the Wanju side, ascending from the group facility area and crossing the cloud bridge over Geumgang Bridge is enjoyable. There is also a steep path from Ansimsa Temple. Daedunsan, praised by Wonhyo Daesa who spent three days wandering it yet could not leave, is truly a beautiful mountain.

[민속전주식당] 시골밥상 한식을 주문하면 우선 그 가지 수에 놀란다, 상이 모자라게 기본반찬이 많이 나온다. 민속전주식당의 주 메뉴는 시골밥상, 산채정식, 산채비빕밥이 있다. 다양한 메뉴와 향토적 입맛을 느낄 수 있는 곳이다. [한밭식당] 대둔산 도립공원 집단시설지구 내 위치한 음식점으로서 대둔산에서 생산되는 각종산채로 맛을 낸다.

This center exhibits the excellence of Goryeo (Geumsan) ginseng both domestically and internationally, showcasing ginseng cultivation, equipment, models, effects, food, ginseng varieties, and products, along with various audiovisual installations. It is a comprehensive ginseng exhibition hall where all information about ginseng can be easily understood. Every year, the Geumsan Ginseng Festival holds a ginseng selection competition, and the winning ginsengs from past years are displayed in the first-floor lobby, offering a unique experience.

Geumsan Ginseng and Herbal Medicine Market is a ginseng market located in the center of Geumsan-gun, Chungnam. Geumsan is the origin of Korean ginseng, where 80% of the national production volume is traded. It is also emerging as a nationwide herbal medicine market along with ginseng. Within the Geumsan Ginseng and Herbal Medicine Market are the traditional open-air market, Geumsan Ginseng International Market, Geumsan Fresh Ginseng Center, Geumsan Ginseng Hotel Shopping Center, and Geumsan Herbal Medicine Department Store. Compared to other regions, various ginseng products and medicinal herbs can be purchased at relatively low prices. Especially on the market days held on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd, and 27th of each month, known as the Geumsan Gold Market Day, merchants and consumers gather from all over the country from dawn. The herbal medicine industry around the ginseng market has also greatly developed, and many well-known herbal medicine shops can be found. Herbal decoction service businesses are located throughout the town, and there are many folk medicines and health foods. It is conveniently accessible, approximately a 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from Geumsan Intercity Bus Terminal.

Gaesamteo Park is located on the foothills of Gaesam-ro in Namui-myeon, Geumsan-gun, Chungnam. Gaesamteo is the first place where ginseng was planted in Geumsan. As the ancestral home of Korean ginseng, the distribution center, and a ginseng hub, Geumsan holds great significance. Legend says ginseng cultivation began about 1,500 years ago when a scholar surnamed Kang lived with his elderly mother below Jinaaksan Mountain. When his mother fell ill, Kang prayed sincerely in Gwaneum Cave, where a mountain spirit appeared and told him, “If you go to the rock wall at Gwanangbulbong, you will find a plant with three red berries. Boil its root and give it to your mother; she will recover.” The next day, Kang boiled the root as instructed, and his mother’s illness completely healed. Kang then planted seeds from the plant in a field in Seonggok-ri, Gaeman village; since its root looked like a person, it was called ginseng. At Gaesamteo, there is Gae Samgak with a painting of the mountain spirit giving ginseng to Kang and Kang’s house. A model depicts the process Kang followed to obtain and cultivate ginseng.