In the present study effects of 2,4-D and kinetin on the callus tissue growth of Korean ginseng(Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer), in relation to the synthesis of saponin were investigated. The saponin synthesis in the callus culture of ginseng root was enhanced by 2,4-D and kinetin. The total saponin content of callus grown on the optima growth conditions, that is, 5mg/l of 2,4-D and 2mg/l of kinetin, was about three times as high as that of the 6 year-old ginseng roots commercially used as herbs. The kinetin specifically increased the synthesis of protopanaxadiol group ginsenoside and decreased the syntehsis of protopanaxatriol gropu in callus cultures, while 2,4-D caused to an increase in the synthesis of protopanaxatriol group ginsenoside and decrease the synthesis of protopanaxadiol group.