Geumsan Insam Cooperative Association, headquartered in Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea, is one of the country’s most established and respected ginseng cooperatives. As a central node in Korea’s traditional medicinal herb industry, the cooperative oversees the cultivation, processing, distribution, and export of authentic Geumsan-grown ginseng products under brands such as Samjiwon, Geumhong, and Won Ki Sam. With over 80 years of history and supported by a network of local farmers, the cooperative preserves heritage while advancing global market competitiveness through modern standards.
Core Business and Specialization
The Geumsan Insam Cooperative Association is primarily focused on:
- Cultivation of 6-year-old Korean ginseng using traditional and GAP-certified agricultural techniques
- Manufacturing of red ginseng extracts, beverages, and functional foods
- Quality certification and distribution of Geumsan-origin ginseng
- Participation in domestic and international trade shows to promote Korean ginseng exports
The cooperative’s integration with the Geumsan Ginseng Market and its quality inspection center ensures traceability and premium-grade product assurance.
Product and Service Portfolio
1. Fresh Ginseng Root
- Premium-grade 4–6-year-old Geumsan ginseng
- Supplied directly to herbal medicine retailers and export channels
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified
2. Red Ginseng Extracts
- Concentrated red ginseng liquid and stick-type products
- High-content ginsenoside formulations tailored for immunity and vitality
- Vacuum-processed to retain active components and ensure long shelf life
3. Ginseng Beverages
- Samjiwon Red Ginseng Gold 100 pouch drink
- Bottled ginseng beverages infused with jujube, goji berry, and honey
- Popular among wellness consumers across East Asia
4. Ginseng Tea and Sliced Products
- Instant tea powders and tea bags using dehydrated red ginseng
- Honeyed ginseng slices as ready-to-eat traditional snacks
5. OEM & Export Packaging
- Private label production options for overseas markets
- Custom packaging for duty-free, health food stores, and online channels
Financial and Market Insights
Although cooperative-based and not publicly traded, the organization’s prominence in Korea’s ginseng sector is significant:
- Geumsan County accounts for over 70% of Korea’s ginseng distribution volume
- Annual domestic market turnover from the Geumsan Ginseng Market exceeds ₩1.3 trillion KRW (~USD 1 billion)
- The cooperative manages exports to over 20 countries, including China, Vietnam, Japan, the U.S., and UAE
Its role in the national supply chain ensures volume consistency and pricing stability for global buyers.
Export and Shipment Records
Trade and regulatory data show:
- U.S. FDA-registered shipments of red ginseng pouches and extracts
- Export compliance with Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
- Active participation in trade promotion via KOTRA and Geumsan International Ginseng Expo
The cooperative has maintained year-over-year growth in exports of wellness beverages and concentrated extracts, with tailored SKUs for each market.
Target Market
Geumsan Insam Cooperative targets:
- Herbal medicine wholesalers and Asian traditional medicine shops
- Functional food importers and nutraceutical brands
- Duty-free and premium retail channels
- Health-conscious consumers seeking immune-boosting supplements
Its appeal extends beyond traditional markets into modern health food categories through branding and formulation improvements.
Capabilities
Facility and supply chain features include:
- Ginseng steaming, drying, and vacuum extraction units
- In-house quality testing laboratories for ginsenoside content and microbial testing
- Large-scale root grading and sorting systems
- End-to-end cold chain logistics for raw root exports
The cooperative also operates a certification system for authentic Geumsan-origin labeling, supported by QR-based traceability.
Certifications and Compliance
The cooperative complies with:
- GAP (Good Agricultural Practices)
- MFDS and Korean FDA standards
- U.S. FDA and EU food supplement export regulations
- HALAL certification for select SKUs exported to Islamic markets
Quality control is reinforced through collaboration with Korean Ginseng Research Institutes and local regulatory authorities.
Customer & Industry Feedback
The cooperative is recognized nationally and internationally for:
- Hosting the Geumsan World K-Insam Festival, drawing over 300,000 visitors annually
- Educational workshops and tours for international buyers and importers
- Product awards and features at Korea Food Show, BIO Korea, and Seoul Food Expo
Consumer testimonials and reviews cite product reliability, authenticity, and the distinct potency of Geumsan-grown red ginseng.
Key Achievements
- Developed the Samjiwon Red Ginseng Gold 100 drink pouch, now a best-seller in wellness stores and Korean duty-free shops
- Partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for export promotion
- Expanded exports to North America and Southeast Asia through KOTRA’s global market access programs
- Played a central role in branding Geumsan as the global capital of premium Korean red ginseng
Geumsan Insam Cooperative Association stands as a symbol of Korea’s ginseng legacy—blending traditional cultivation expertise with cutting-edge processing and global marketing strategies to bring the finest red ginseng to the world.