Korean red ginseng products are sweeping across the world. This is because ginseng is an excellent immune food suitable for the current era when health has become more important, and consumers have a wider range of product choices. In particular, the export of Korean red ginseng products is not concentrated in a specific country but is gaining popularity worldwide, proving that it is a global food.

#Korean Red Ginseng Takes a Leap Forward as a Global Food Product
The popularity of Korean red ginseng products is easily reflected in exports. In 2020, the exports of Korean red ginseng products including red ginseng raw materials, red ginseng powder, red ginseng tablets, and red ginseng preparations such as candy and beverages was USD 158 million. Exports until September of this year were USD 129 million, up 27.7% from USD 101 million in the same period last year. If exports are maintained at the current level, it is highly likely that Korean red ginseng products will record the highest export value ever. Korea also exports its red ginseng products to diverse countries, not concentrated in any specific country. The largest importing country is China. Hong Kong and Japan are the main importing countries for Korean red ginseng products. Recently, however, Korean red ginseng products are gaining popularity in countries such as the United States and Vietnam. By September this year, exports to the U.S. increased by a whopping 55% compared to the same period of the previous year, surpassing Hong Kong and Japan and recording the second-largest export value after China. Exports to China also increased by 34% compared to last year and Japan by 21.6%. These results show that Korean red ginseng is a global trending health food.

#Korean Red Ginseng Engraved as a Health Food
The secret to the popularity of Korean red ginseng products is that they are increasingly becoming recognized as health food by consumers. Korean red ginseng has been in the spotlight as consumers around the world are more inclined to purchase healthy products amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The major functions of red ginseng are enhancement of immunity, fatigue improvement, smooth blood flow, and antioxidant function. Recently, red ginseng has been recognized for its functionality to help improve brain function. Last year, Korea Agro-Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation (aT) conducted a human clinical test of Korean red ginseng in cooperation with local professors at Kyushu University, etc. in Japan. The results showed that red ginseng was effective in improving cognitive function. As Korean red ginseng products are recognized as health foods, they are also gaining popularity as gifts. In Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam and Singapore, Korean red ginseng products have become the most popular gift for parents and relatives.

#Expansion of Consumption Base with Various Product Lines
There is another secret to the popularity of Korean red ginseng products-that they have expanded the range of choices for consumers around the world with a variety of product lines. Products range from traditional slice types and easy-to-eat stick-type ones to beverages, teas, candies, and jellies. The popularity of Korean red ginseng products is growing due to the high quality of various products.
In fact, a Korean red ginseng producer export more than 100 products. Its representative said, “We have expanded the choice of overseas buyers by diversifying our products. We are confident about their quality and safety, because they all have to complete verification by the exporting country.” In addition, Korean red ginseng products have become more popular as overseas consumers can easily purchase them thanks to the growth of the online and offline markets. Overall, multiple factors such as a variety of products and their availability for purchase by consumers anytime, anywhere have all contributed to the popularity, expanding the basis for consumption of Korean red ginseng products.