Objective : To build a basis of a research strategy for development of Korean ginseng as a global competitive medical product in the world market by Korean Oriental medicine group. Methods : Survey of all literature or analysis reports about market patterns related to ginseng or ginseng products in Korea and in other countries. Results : Korean ginseng and it products have rapidly decreased in share of the world market since the 1980s, with Korean ginseng occupying just 3% of the Hong Kong ginseng market in 2005. While Korean ginseng has been satisfied with consumption within the large Korean market itself, it now has only 1% of world market share. Conclusion : A systematic strategy is needed to strengthen global competitiveness of Korean ginseng based upon development of novel customer-tailored ginseng products. In addition, experience and science-based research in the Oriental medicine field should be involved in the process.