This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of light intensity using polyethylene (p.E) net shading on the specific gravity, red ginseng quality, sugar and saponin contents of ginseng root. The specific gravity significantly increased in the ginseng roots grown under the P.E net shading as compared with that of common straw shading. The red ginseng quality under the P.E net shading was improved in order of 10, 5, 15, 20, 30% of light intensity and the inside cavity and inside white part decreased remarkably as compared with those of common straw shading. The ginseng roots grown under the P.E net shading at 10% and 15% light intensity showed a significant increase in the total sugar content but a significant decrease in the reducing sugar content at 15% light intensity as compared with those of common straw shading. The amount of total saponin of ginseng roots was increased under the P.E net shading at high light intensity as compared with that of common straw shading and the ginseng roots grown under the P.E net shading at 10% light intensity showed an increase in the diol group saponin but the ratio of PT/PD was decreased. Extract contents of ginseng root under the P.E net shading was higher than those of common straw shading and the roots grown under the P.E net shading at 15% and 20% light intensity resulted in a remarkable increase in extract contents. Keyword Polythylene net shading, specific gravity, red ginseng quality, sugar content, saponin, extract