Summer cottages, Kinsen (Geumsan), Chosen (Colonial Korea), c. 1920, a center of ginseng production in the highlands mid-country that was also developed into a major holiday and spa destination after Chosen’s annexation by Japan in 1910. The upper level retreat seen here was known as “The Hermitage”; the lower retreat as the “White House”.
See also:
Shinsen (Sinchon) Onsen Station, Chosen (Korea), c. 1930.
“During the Japanese colonial period in Korea (1910-1945), Kinsen (the Japanese reading for Geumsan), a town located in present-day South Chungcheong Province, was known primarily for its ginseng production rather than as a major vacation destination. However, it did attract some attention for its scenic countryside, herbal markets, and hot springs, especially among Japanese settlers and officials stationed in Korea
“Ginseng was in high demand in Japan and other parts of East Asia, known for its medicinal properties and revered as a luxury health product. This led to the establishment of regular ginseng markets and fairs in Kinsen, which attracted not only merchants but also travelers interested in the town’s unique herbal culture.
“The health benefits of ginseng and a proximity to medicinal hot springs created a natural appeal for those looking to rejuvenate, making Kinsen attractive to wellness-focused travelers. While Kinsen was not a premier hot spring location, nearby towns in South Chungcheong offered spas and bathhouses that would have been accessible to visitors to Kinsen. Such facilities provided health tourism options, particularly for Japanese officials, business people, and soldiers who sought relief from stress and ailments.
Map: The location of Kinsen (Geumsan), Colonial Korea, c. 1940, relative to Keijo (Seoul) and Fusan (Busan).
“While Kinsen wasn’t a top tourist destination, it was part of a rural experience that included traditional Korean village landscapes, temples, and agricultural vistas that some Japanese tourists found exotic and picturesque.
“Kinsen could be accessed by rail and road, making it a reasonable excursion for people based in Taiden (Daejeon) or travelers from the port of Fusan (Busan) who were interested in the countryside, especially during the autumn ginseng harvest season. It was not too distant, either, from Keijo (Seoul), the colonial capital.
“After the colonial period, Kinsen was renamed Geumsan, retaining its reputation as the ‘Ginseng Capital’ of Korea. Today, it hosts the annual Geumsan Insam Festival, attracting thousands of visitors from around Korea and beyond who come to experience ginseng-related activities, culinary experiences, and wellness treatments.”
– Wikipedia
