Percent dormant root and percent missing root were investigated in ginseng (Panax ginseng) plantations and correlated with soil chemical characteristics. Percent dormant root showed no consistency with root age and significant positive correlation with percent missing root in many cases. Percent dormant root showed significant positive correlation with available phosphorus and phosphorus-moisture ratio in soils. Percent missing root showed significant negative correlation with moisture and calcium in soil and positive one with phosphorus - moisture ratio. Above results strongly suggest that excess phosphorus and water stress are the common causes of dormancy and missing of root.