To discover ginseng-containing products invented during the Korean Empire Period (1897–1910), more than 400 advertisements for ginseng-containing products were collected and classified by name using various Korean newspaper search websites. As a result, it was discovered that Insam-sahyang-hwan, made with ginseng and musk; Sam-yong-daibowon, made with ginseng and deer antlers; Hwangryeon- buja-tang, prepared with Coptis rhizome, ginseng, aconite, and other ingredients; Palseon-gwaja, made with ginseng and Poria cocos; and an inventive liquor, made with ginseng and goji berry, were invented during the Korean Empire. The efficacy and usage of Insam-sahyang-hwan were advertised by the Gwisaengdang Pharmacy 40 times between May and September 1901 in newspaper, and it is significant in that it is the first ginseng-containing patent medicine featured in Korean newspaper advertisements. The efficacy of Sam-yong-daibowon were advertised by the Jesaengdang Pharmacy 267 times between December 1908 and August 1910 in newspaper. It is particularly important in that it is a ginsengcontaining patent medicine that was experimentally prepared, researched and invented by a medical doctor at the company established by Lee Kyeongbong, a pioneer in the Korean patent medicine industry. It is also significant in that its effects proven in real time by another medical doctor were continuously advertised in various contents through newspaper advertisements for more than twenty months. The main ingredients, efficacy, and usage of Hwangryeon-buja-tang were advertised once in September 1909 in newspaper, but it is of low importance in that its advertisement content was presented in 100% Chinese characters that are difficult for ordinary consumers to understand. The main ingredients and efficacy of Palseon-gwaja were advertised three times in January 1910 in newspaper, and it is significant in that it is the first ginseng-containing food featured in Korean newspaper advertisements. The main ingredients and preparation method of the inventive liquor were advertised 13 times between August and October 1902 in newspaper, but it is of low importance in that it was targeted at liquor vendors, not ordinary customers, and its efficacy were not presented in the advertisement. In summary, five ginseng-containing products were discovered through the advertisements in newspapers published during the Korean Empire, and it is thought that the most meaningful achievement is the discovery of Sam-yong-daibowon, a ginseng-containing patent medicine invented at the Jesaengdang Pharmacy.

Keywords: Korean Empire Period, ginseng-containing product, newspaper advertisement, patent medicine, Sam-yong-daebowon