[Maybe We Won't See It Tomorrow] Gyeonggi Province's Representative Agricultural Product 'Gaeseong Ginseng' Wavers on the Brink

[Editor's Note = Climate warming is completely transforming our lives. Agricultural and marine product maps are changing, and beaches are on the verge of closing due to rising sea levels. With record-breaking rainy seasons and droughts recurring, agricultural product prices are skyrocketing. Absurd incidents like "flower festivals without flowers" and "ice festivals without ice" are emerging. At this rate, things we currently take for granted might disappear in the future. Yonhap News will continue to report on-site coverage of climate change upheavals and explore ways to overcome them.]

(Uijeongbu=Yonhap News) Reporter Woo Young-sik = Gyeonggi-do's northernmost regions, including Paju, Pocheon, and Yeoncheon, have maintained the lineage of Goryeo Kaesong ginseng.

These areas have soil and climate conditions suitable for ginseng cultivation, and ginseng grown in these pristine regions is a top-quality six-year-old variety with high saponin content known for its anti-cancer properties, numerous fine roots, and rich fragrance, making it popular among consumers.

Every October, a Kaesong ginseng festival is held. Ten years ago, the Paju Kaesong Ginseng Festival would attract 50-60,000 visitors, with approximately 40 tons of fresh ginseng selling out instantly, generating over 5 billion won in sales.

However, as domestic climate increasingly shifts towards subtropical conditions, ginseng cultivation environments are deteriorating.

Current projections suggest that by the end of the 21st century, ginseng cultivation will be limited to only a few regions like Gangwon-do due to climate change.

◇ Challenging Growth Conditions and Abnormal Weather... Ginseng Farms Suffer

Ginseng is an extremely demanding medicinal crop in terms of growth conditions.

Ideal ginseng cultivation areas have a relatively cool climate of 20-25 degrees, with mountains to the south, open terrain to the north, and good drainage.

Locations with slight morning sunlight but no direct sunset exposure are preferred, with soil moisture maintained at 18-20%.

Excessive sun exposure causing temperatures