To obtain useful data on root rot in Korean ginseng, we performed phylogenetic analysis and pathogenicity test for Cylindrocarpon destructans isolated from peony. Cylindrocarpon destructans isolates from peony were proven to cause ginseng root rot. The isolate KACC44663 was identified as Ilyonectria robusta under the new classification system, which belongs to the I. radicicola species complex. This is the first report of the pathogenic isolate, which was isolated from another host plant, but not ginseng, that can cause root rot disease on ginseng in Korea.