The development of cracking in ginseng roots was studied to elucidate the factors affecting it in the field. The cracking of 6-year-old ginseng roots harvested in late October callld be induced in 2 days after soaking in water or in watersatllrated soil. However, it callld be slowed down by approximately 10 days when the roots were kept at a low temperature(5$^{circ}C$). Roots excavated in late May did not develop cracking tinder the conditions tested. There was no significant difference between rice-straw shade and P.E. net shade in the rate of cracked ginseng roots. Which varied with ginseng varieties in relation to shade material. The rate of cracked roots was about 40% in 6-year plants, but it was extremely high (55.6%) in rusty roots. Healing of the wound formed by cracking was generally low but varied between harvest years.