A fascinating and surprisingly uncommon anthology gathering Korean folk tales centred on one of East Asia's most enduring mythical plants.

Far more than a medicinal root, ginseng appears here as a source of transformation, immortality, fortune and spiritual power, weaving through stories of wandering scholars, mountain hermits, spirits, tricksters and ordinary people whose lives are altered by encounters with the natural and supernatural worlds. Kimmens supplements the tales with historical notes and contextual commentary, making the collection as valuable to readers interested in Korean culture as to lovers of folklore itself.

Published in 1975, this remains one of the few substantial English-language collections devoted specifically to Korean ginseng lore. The stories preserve oral traditions shaped by Confucianism, Buddhism and shamanic belief, revealing a rich imaginative world where plants possess agency, mountains are inhabited by immortals, and everyday morality is inseparable from the landscape. An excellent volume for readers of mythology, comparative folklore and overlooked cultural histories.

First paperback edition, William Morrow, 1975. Light general shelf wear with a small black mark to the upper front cover. Binding remains solid and the interior is clean and unmarked.