It grows in almost all areas covered with pine forests of the country, except alpine region, and the Korean people have regarded it as a special thing in their dietary life from olden times.

Old documents about Songi mushroom have been conveyed from the Koryo period (918-1392). Typical is a poem recorded in "Phahanjip", which was published in 1260 and known as the oldest book among the then collections of folktales.

Such fact can be also seen on historical documents published in the feudal Joson dynasty (1392-1910).

Chronicles of King Sejong who held the reins of power from 1419 to 1450 tell that more than 30 regions like Cholwon area in Kangwon Province were the home of Songi mushroom.

"Tonguibogam" (Encyclopedia of Traditional Medicine of Korea) records that Songi mushroom is sweet and fragrant and has no poison and it is the best among mushrooms as it grows in surroundings of old pine trees.

A poem "Songi" written by Kim Ryo, a poet and scholar active in the early part of the 19th century, shows that the Korean people used this mushroom in their diet. The poem dealt with even how to cook it.

"Umsikjimibang" and "Kyuhapchongso" introduce tens of kinds of dishes made with Songi mushroom, which have been favored by the people from olden times.

Today, Songi mushroom and its oil containing various antibiotics are used as flavor and medicinal material.