Yangnyeong Market Review

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Among Korean herbal medicine, ginseng is most well known and popular because it grows particularly well in South Korea. Naturally Korean is a big export market for ginseng and its processed goods.

Yangnyeong Market, has a strong traditional feeling to it, and it has the aroma of Korean medicine every where. You will be intrigued by its special atmosphere. Let's go take a look!

Yangnyeong Market I Information & Direction

Direction: Yangnyeong Market is in the same area with the Gyeongdong Market. It is located right outside Jegi-dong Station Exit 2, and it is the Korea's largest traditional medicine market. Almost every people who are interested in Korean ginseng visits Yangnyeong Market.

Yangnyeong Market I Review

In front of Exit 2, you will find Yangnyeong Market. A huge gate stands here which gives the place traditional atmosphere right away. As soon as you get out of the station you will smell the strong scent of Korean herbs. I personally enjoy this feeling because of its healthy atmosphere.

Although many people who visits Yangnyeong Market are old, you can see few young people accompanying their parents. The market is filled with relaxed and warm atmosphere.

You can experience authentic Korean traditional culture here. Although the place doesn't have much street food, it is a fun experience just to take a look around.

Korean traditional medicine market is different from Chinese medicine market. Unlike other Asian markets they place the medicinal materials on the road for the passengers to see. Maybe this is possible because of the dry weather of Korea.

If you pass Yangnyeong Market and go straight ahead, you will arrive at the Gyeongdong Market, and you can find famous ginseng stores.

Gyeongdong Market is also different from many other Korean markets. It is a traditional fruits and vegetables market, and what's special about this place is that it has fresh ginseng and dried red ginseng.

When you arrive at Gyeongdong Market, you will find a number of people lined up for ginseng and dried red ginseng.

If you enjoy the aroma of ginseng like me it would be a pleasant experience. They are all fresh and relatively cheap, and they are all produced in Geumsan, Korea!

Korean Tourism Organization

Korean Tourism Organization

Geumsan Yangneyong Market (금산약령시장)

The origin of Goryeo Ginseng is Geumsan in Chungcheong-do district. Gyeongdong Market is the largest trading market for ginseng, and Geumsan is the largest market for ginseng production. It accounts for 80% of the transaction volume in Korea.

Geumsan Ginseng Festival, held every October, attracts many local and foreign travelers to participate and experience authentic Korean ginseng. Locals prefer fresh ginseng compared to the dried ones, but because of the regulations tourist can only bring dried ginseng back home.

Back to the Seoul Yangnyeong Market, and you can find ginseng classified in neat fashion. Some are trimmed and some are pulled right out of ground. I couldn't help but take 150g home with me. Next time I eat ramen I can enjoy it in more healthy style.

There are stores selling fresh ginseng everywhere. However, I should remind you that you need certificates to take dried ginseng into some countries, and not all of them offer such certificate.

So if you want to buy ginseng in traditional market you cannot just pick up any ginseng and bring it home.

This is dried red ginseng which is fermented red. It has stronger aroma and it is loved by locals and foreigners together.

Ginseng in Korean is 인삼 and red ginseng is 홍삼. When you visit the store recognize the difference in Korean letter and don't buy the wrong ginseng.

I mentioned above that I would like to add ginseng in ramen, which might have surprised everyone. But, there are cheaper Korean ginseng you can buy and even with little amount you can enjoy strong healthy flavor.

If you walk into the main road of Gyeongdong Market , you will no longer find ginseng here but find uncommon herbs here. This fragrance relaxes and calms your mind.

Compared to other Asian medicine Korea uses yellow lacquer more often. You can find yellow lacquer at the front stand in almost all booth.

Many Korean traditional dried medicinal ingredients can be found here. The boundary between Gyeongdong Market and Yangnyeong Market is becoming more and more vague. Everyone who wishes to experience strong local atmosphere, this is the place for you to enjoy. It feels healthy just from breathing in air.

Check your countries customs regulation, because many countries do not allow bringing in fresh ginseng. You can find many ginseng processed goods to take home instead.

This posting was about a review on my recent visit to Yangnyeong Market and Gyeongdong Market, where you can purchase high quality ginseng. If you have a chance next time, visit these markets and find new face of Seoul. If you have questions about information not covered in the blog post, please email us at help@creatrip.com