Another Colossal Ginseng Root Found

An approximately 100-year-old wild ginseng was found by Kim Jong-won (52) on Mt. Gyeryong on June 24.

An agency that identifies mountain ginsengs said, “The ginseng’s root is 62 cm long, the diameter of the root is 2.5 cm, and its head is 15 cm. It has five twigs and appears to be about 100 years old.”

“I did not see it personally. I just saw a picture of it. It seems like a genuine wild ginseng. It is so large that it is almost hard to believe that it was found in this country,” said a man who teaches about wild ginsengs to college students.

Kim Jong-won said, “On June 23, I dreamt about myself turning into a light. So I went to the same place where I found a wild ginseng last year. I discovered the ginseng in the place where I often frequented. It’s strange that I was unable to find any ginseng before in the same place.”

He added, “In May of last year, I had a similar dream before finding a wild ginseng that was also more than 100 years old, and it was broadcasted by some networks. All I can say is that the ginseng was found in the most secluded part of Mt. Gyeryong.”

Myung-Hun Jee mhjee@donga.com