Anything wrong with your mind, body or spirit? Well, ginseng could sort it out, and Geumsan is the place to find it. Every year, the region celebrates its local produce with a wealth of exhibitions, hands-on activities and entertainment.
Ginseng has long been a Korean elixir and has been hitting the shops elsewhere. Its restorative properties are legion - including boosting the immune system, and preserving a youthful vitality - and all are celebrated in this festival. Entertainments include sampling Ginseng dumplings, and a variety of Korean dishes which use Ginseng in their ingredients. You can be taught how to squeeze, cut and harvest Ginseng roots by herbalist doctors who can recommend a variety of cures with the magic root. It's also an opportunity to buy ginseng at bargain prices.
The festival's opening ceremony involves the entire assembled crowd (of hundreds) involved in a mass praying Shaman Ritual. Folk band performances, singing contests, children's puppet shows, herb exhibitions and dance shows make up just some of the entertainment. Throughout the festival, there is a colourful parade in the morning through the streets of Geumsan.
The festival's opening ceremony involves the entire assembled crowd (of hundreds) involved in a mass praying Shaman Ritual. Folk band performances, singing contests, children's puppet shows, herb exhibitions and dance shows make up just some of the entertainment. Throughout the festival, there is a colourful parade in the morning through the streets of Geumsan.