Unearthing Korea's superfood: Korean red ginseng

Did you know? Korean red ginseng is the world's most powerful form of ginseng, containing over 30 varieties of ginseng saponins, outranking other ginseng species. It is a functional health food recognised by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. As an adaptogen, it helps counteract stress and fatigue, as well as strengthen our body's immune response.


The benefits of Korean red ginseng as certified by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety include boosting immunity, assisting recovery from fatigue, facilitating blood circulation, improving memory, easing climacteric symptoms and providing powerful antioxidative effects.
Extensive research has shown that Korean red ginseng reaches its optimal maturity and maximum efficacy at the 6th year. If cultivated for a longer time, into the 7th - 8th year, ginseng starts to deteriorate and lose some of its nutrients. This is why Cheong Kwan Jang only uses 6-year-old ginseng which are contractually farmed under the strictest conditions.


Did you know? Not all ginseng are created equal. The process of steaming and air drying fresh Korean ginseng to turn them into the signature Korean red ginseng actually helps produce new active ingredients and elevate the benefits of the ginseng.
Active Ingredient | Korean Red Ginseng | American Ginseng |
Kinds of Saponin | 31 | 19 |
PD/PT Ratio | 1.33 | 2.15 |
Polyacetylene (%) | 0.089 | 0.064 |
Acidic Polysaccharide(%) | 7.74 | 2.09 |
Type | Active Ingredient | Benefits |
Saponin | Ro | Alcohol detoxification, immune system, anti-inflammation |
-PD | Rb1 | Central nerve control, liver protection, antioxidant processes |
-PT | Rc | Sedative, protein and lipid synthesis facilitation |
Re | Blood regulation, anti-oxidant | |
Rf | Neuron protection | |
Rg1 | Supporting cognition, anti-fatigue, anti-stress, immune system, liver protection | |
Rh1 | Liver protection, immune system | |
Rh2 | Immune system | |
Non-saponin | Polyacetylene | Immune system, preventing thrombosis, inhibiting lipid peroxidation |
Phenolic compounds | Antioxidant processes, anti-aging | |
Acidic polysaccharides | Anti-aging, reducing side effects of certain drugs, immune system, preventing hyperlipidemia | |
Insulin analog | Lowering blood-sugar levels |
In TCM, Korean red ginseng is considered to be warm in nature hence it is not heaty. Consuming it can help improve metabolism and blood circulation, which may leave a person feeling flushed or warmer than usual. However, this effect is due to the enhanced blood circulation, which increases skin temperature, but does not change the body's core temperature. In fact, numerous studies have reported that consuming Korean red ginseng helps maintain normal body temperature.


Korean red ginseng is safe to be consumed as a daily supplement. The recommended dosage on the packaging is meant for Korean consumers, who have been exposed to the use of Korean red ginseng since young. Given that the climate and dietary habits of Singaporeans differ from Koreans, new users who are starting to take Korean red ginseng are not recommended to consume the full dosage at the beginning.
Users are recommended to consume 3g of Korean red ginseng daily to reap the maximum health benefits of the ginseng. However, those aged 3 to 15 years old are to consume half the regular dosage. When beginning a ginseng regime, start off with a half serving and slowly increase to full dosage as your body adapts to the effects of ginseng. Although side-effects are rare and uncommon, reduce dosage or stop usage if you are unsure.
