Jung Kwan Jang, the flagship health functional food brand of Korea Ginseng Corporation (KGC), is expanding its red ginseng drink Hong Sam Won into the everyday beverage market. As people shift from taking supplements to conveniently drinking something on the way to work or before and after exercise, the strategy is to broaden how red ginseng is consumed from concentrates to liquid beverages.
On the 29th, according to KGC, Hong Sam Won is a liquid health drink made with 6-year-old red ginseng secured through contract cultivation. The lineup includes the basic Hong Sam Won, Hong Sam Won Delight, which emphasizes a light mouthfeel, and Heated Hong Sam Won, which can be warmed and drunk.
Among them, the low-calorie Hong Sam Won Delight is showing notable growth. The product adds plant-based ingredients such as jujube, cinnamon, ginger, and goji berry, along with vitamins and essential amino acids, to red ginseng, and its online sales in January–February this year were about double last year's annual sales. The company said it sees this as the result of new consumers who want to look after their health without burden.
In overseas markets, it is positioned with the concept of a "caffeine-free health energy drink." Jung Kwan Jang showcased Hong Sam Won at Natural Products Expo West (NPEW) 2026, held in the United States in Mar., introducing it to local consumers and distribution industry officials. The plan is to establish it as a K-wellness product line by presenting the traditional ingredient red ginseng in a modern beverage format.
A Jung Kwan Jang official said, "Hong Sam Won is a health drink made so anyone can enjoy it in daily life without burden by enhancing taste and drinking convenience based on 6-year-old red ginseng," adding, "We will continue to launch products that reflect diverse consumer lifestyles to broaden the points of contact with red ginseng."