1929
When returning to Seoul from the western part of Korea and stopping along the road in villages and at estates, I was directed to a special government farm for cultivation of ginseng. The legendary ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a remedy against all kinds of illnesses, a most astounding medium with which many fantastic stories are connected. The root of the ginseng takes on peculiar shapes because it conforms easily to obstacles encountered in the soil. It branches and often assumes a shape reminiscent of a human, either male or female. Wild ginseng is especially valuable. Hunters of ginseng go into the forests looking for the cherished roots. It is used both dried and in the form of an infusion.
The Japanese authorities quickly understood the advantage of cultivating this interesting plant. American agronomists worked out methods for its cultivation. I was unable to learn the details because they were kept secret, but more or less of the basics could be observed even during a fleeting passage through the plantation. This crop is grown in well-prepared soil, heavily fertilized and given an overhead roofing consisting of shades of red glass over individual plants. Apparently the action of the red light is considered especially favourable for the growth of the roots.
Rich people usually end their meals by regaling themselves with ginseng. I tried it several times. Its flavor is not remarkable; it is moderately sweet and slightly numbing. Apparently you must have faith in its miraculous action. Since I do not have such a faith, I did not experience any special effect of this highly extolled root.
In the stores in Seoul, American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) can be seen. After searching the American flora for ginseng, the practical Yankees introduced it into cultivation since they calculated on a Chinese market. Experts always prefer the Chinese and especially the wild ginseng, but it seems that use of the American one has gradually diminished the preference for the local, East Asiatic species over the imported American ginseng. 
