Objective : To build a basis of patent analysis for development of Korean ginseng as a competitive medical product in the world market. Methods : Survey of all patents related to ginseng or ginseng products in Korea and other rival countries such as the USA, Japan or EU, using KIPRIS. Results : Korea has more patents of ginseng itself , however has fewer patents related to functional goods, higher value-added businesses or medical technologies using ginseng than rival countries. Conclusion : The Oriental medical world should make more effort to verify the pharmacological effects of ginseng, develop high value-added functional products or medical technologies using ginseng and apply for more patents in such fields.