"This study explores the ecological relationship between humans, earth, and plants, and its mythical meanings as depicted in the metamorphosis motifs of Korean ginseng tales. A long-aged ginseng growing in the earth can transform into a human and then return to its original form. The value of ginseng is intricately woven into the narrative and cultural context of Korea. First, I discuss the placeness and rarity of ginseng. Locating ginseng in reality and tales is challenging. Its special placeness leads main characters to trace its location in the narratives, highlighting its rarity and the fact that it is only discovered by virtuous individuals. Some tales depict characters who must accept sacrifices to obtain ginseng to heal their sick parents, bypassing the effort of tracing its location. I also examine the cultural context that shapes ginseng’s values and metamorphosis motifs. This context includes ginseng’s iconic features, the oriental medical belief, and the condition in Korean tales that metamorphosis occurs to something or someone long-aged. Finally, ginseng is depicted as ‘a man from the earth’ and it achieves its ultimate metamorphosis by being consumed by humans and integrating into them, thus sustaining life. In conclusion, the relationship between humans, earth, and plants is a conjunct chain where they feed or are fed upon, creating a feedback loop"

Keywords: Feedback, Age-longed exist, Metamorphosis motifs of Ginseng, Placeness, Rarity