Objective : To construct a comprehensive understanding of thepharmaceutical efficacies of ginseng, then build a basis for a research strategy for development of Korean ginseng as a globally-competitive medical product. Methods : Surveying literature, we found 1690 ginseng-focused papers in Pub-Med. Analysis of was done of number of reports according to date, nation, components of Panax ginseng, research methods, and effects of ginseng. Results : The main countries contributing toginseng research are China, Korea, Japan and America. Recently, ginseng-related studies have been increasing, and individual compounds from ginseng or its products rather than ginseng itself are subjects for study. Anti-cancer associated or neuroprotective effects showed priority in therapeutic efficacy. Panax ginseng was the focus of around 60% of all ginseng-related studies, but only 22% of them were done in Korea. Conclusion :This review will help Korean doctors or scientists to systematically understand ginseng as a powerfulherbal medicine, and to develop Korean ginseng as a globally competitive drug in world markets.