인삼
insam[insʰa̠m]
The Korean word for ginseng is 인삼 (insam).
인삼 refers to the root of the ginseng plant or the extract derived from it. When you want to specify the variety known as Korean ginseng, you use the term 고려인삼.
Meaning: root of such a plant, or the extract (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 인삼 generally refers to cultivated ginseng, the term 산삼 is used specifically to refer to wild ginseng found in the mountains. Additionally, 홍삼 is the term used to describe red ginseng, which is ginseng that has been steamed and dried.
How do you pronounce it?
insam
Did you know?
- In Korea, 인삼 is so highly prized that it was historically used as a form of currency and a diplomatic gift to Chinese emperors.
- In Korean folklore, it is sometimes said that a spirit protects 산삼 and will only allow a person with a pure heart to find it.
- Because 산삼 grows wild in the mountains and is hard to find, some professional foragers use trained dogs to sniff out the roots.
Examples in context
- 한국의 전통 한약에서 고려인삼은 중요한 장소를 차지하고 있습니다.Korean ginseng holds a significant place in traditional Korean medicine.
- 인삼뿌리는 주로 건강 보조제로 사용됩니다.Ginseng root is primarily used as a dietary supplement.
- 오늘 슈퍼에서 인삼을 산 거 아니야?Didn't you buy ginseng at the supermarket today?
- 이 인삼은 아주 비싸요.i insameun aju bissayo.This ginseng is very expensive.
- 저는 인삼 차를 마셔요.jeoneun insam chareul masyeoyo.I drink ginseng tea.
Example conversation
Two friends are shopping at a traditional market.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 이 인삼 어때요?Jieun ssi, i insam eottaeyo?Jieun, how about this ginseng?
- 지은 Ji-eun도현 씨, 정말 싱싱해 보이네요.Dohyeon ssi, jeongmal singsinghae boineyo.Dohyeon, it looks really fresh.
- 도현 Do-hyeon이 인삼을 살까요?i insameul salkkayo?Shall we buy this ginseng?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 건강에 좋을 것 같아요.ne, geongange jo-eul geot gatayo.Yes, I think it will be good for our health.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ginseng” translations and entries 인삼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
