By Lee Hyo-sik
A 46-year-old man, surnamed Jung, hit the jackpot on April 29 when he went hiking on Mt. Jiri — he and his wife came across dozens of wild ginseng on their way down.
They found 83 wild ginseng plants. Of the 83, they gave 28 to acquaintances, while asking the Korea Wild Ginseng Research Institute to appraise the value of the remaining 55.
They were between 15 to 30 years old, and valued at 50 million won ($45,000) in total, according to the institute.
It said it is quite rare for wild ginseng to be found in such a large group, adding the place they were discovered has perfect conditions for the plant to grow.
Jung said his wife woke up a night earlier after having a dream that his parents passed away.
He said he will sell wild ginseng and help senior citizens living alone in rural areas with the money.