A visitor to a JungKwanJang store near Samseong Station in Seoul examines a GLPro product, the latest ginseng-based health supplement from Korea Ginseng Corp. (KGC), Oct. 31. Courtesy of KGC

Korea Ginseng Corp. (KGC) is strengthening its research and development efforts on ginseng and its key nutritional benefits to create new health supplements, including its latest products designed to support blood sugar control and prostate health, the country's largest ginseng company said Monday.

The maker, with its signature brand JungKwanJang, emphasized that the scientific innovations driving its popular products reflect the company's advanced R&D capabilities. These achievements reinforce the company's commitment to maintaining its leadership in the international ginseng market.

KGC has validated ginseng's nutritional benefits in lowering blood sugar levels, earning certification from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The ministry confirmed ginseng's efficacy in improving insulin resistance and carbohydrate metabolism.

The approval led the company to launch GLPro, its new brand, last month, introducing a lineup of products focusing on blood sugar control. The brand quickly became a success, selling over 10,000 products within two weeks — a record-breaking feat for a single sub-brand in JungKwanJang's 125-year history, according to the company.

Before GLPro, KGC developed ginseng oil, which the ministry approved in 2022 for its prostate health benefits. The company promoted this as a groundbreaking nutritional discovery.

In August 2023, the company launched new products incorporating this ingredient, with batches selling out six times. Additionally, KGC received ministry approval for a new formulation combining natural ingredients shown to be effective in addressing "male menopause."

KGC attributed these breakthroughs to the JungKwanJang R&D Global Center and its more than 130 researchers. Located in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, the facility is certified by the Ministry of Science and ICT for its extensive research on saponin, a key component of ginseng.

It has also maintained annual certification from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme for 15 consecutive years, ensuring its research meets international standards.

With overseas subsidiaries in the United States, China, Taiwan and Japan, KGC exports around 250 products to 40 countries. The company has also expanded its R&D presence internationally, with research centers in Shanghai and Fullerton, California, focusing on developing localized health supplements such as Everytime and HongSamWon to cater to international consumers.

According to market monitoring agency Euromonitor International's 2023 report, KGC topped market shares and sales in the global ginseng market for 10 straight years.