Eighteen wild ginseng roots estimated to be more than 100 years old have been found on Mohusan in Juam-myeon, Suncheon, South Jeolla Province.
According to the Korea Traditional Simmani Association, an herb gatherer in his 50s who works in the Suncheon area discovered the roots on Mohusan on Friday. The ginseng formed a family cluster spanning five generations, with all 18 roots together weighing 189 grams.
Jung Hyeong-beom, chairman of the Korea Traditional Simmani Association, who conducted the appraisal, said the roots exceeded 45 centimeters in length and were of exceptional color and form. He estimated their age to be well over 100 years.
Based on the weight and quality of the roots, the association appraised them at 270 million won ($204,000). The figure represents the association's official appraisal and may differ from any actual transaction price.
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