For the analysis of hazard factors and the development of GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) Ginseng, 10
ginseng cultural farms wished certified GAP were selected at Geumsan-gun area, a representative site of ginseng cultivation
in Korea. In order to verify the safety of GAP ginseng, possible contamination of pesticide and heavy metal residues, and
microbial hazard were analyzed. Soil and water around ginseng cultivation field, and ginseng were investigated. Eighty-one
pesticides including carbendazim were used as typical pesticide against plant pathogens and insect pests of ginseng plant and
general crops. There was no excess the maximum residue limit (MRL) in residue figure of the soil. Including the residue figure
of the arsenic (0.81㎖/㎏) and 7 other heavy metals was also suitable to cultivate the ginseng plant. The irrigation water
and dilution water for pesticide application were also safety level for GAP. Fresh ginsengs from the farms were sampled and
investigated pesticide residues and contaminations of bacteria. Among 23 pesticides tested, we didn't detect any kinds of pesticide
residues, but tolclofos-methyl was frequently found in the other ginseng field. On the investigation of microorganism
hazards, 2 gram negative bacteria and 1 gram positive bacterium were found in the fresh ginseng. Number of total bacteria
was 1.5 × 103 cfu/㎖, which was less than the other agriculture products. At these results, 10 selected ginseng farms were good
cultural places for GAP ginseng production and the ginseng cultured from Geumsan-gun area were a good safe for human.