Naju-si 'Wanggok Chamoe' Harvest in Full Swing

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] In Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu), the golden-colored chamoe melon harvest is in full swing at greenhouse farms in Wanggok-myeon.

According to the city on the 12th, there are a total of 17 chamoe farms (9.1 hectares) located in Wanggok-myeon, which produced 457.5 tons of chamoe last year, generating an average annual income of 1 billion KRW, making it a high-income crop in greenhouse facilities.

Wanggok Chamoe cultivation began in 1991 by Mr. Kim Sang-sik (66 years old, current chairman of the Mahan Nonghyup Chamoe Cooperative), who moved from Goryeong-gun, Gyeongbuk Province, where he previously farmed chamoe.

Chamoe planting is done in early December after fertilization and plowing in early October, followed by ridge making and plastic covering in November.

Fruit setting started last month, and full-scale harvesting and shipment began from late last month to early this month. Due to its good storability, sales continue until October.

Grown in excellent cultivation conditions such as fertile soil, temperature, and sunlight, the flesh is firm, fresh, and has a high sugar content.

In particular, mixing uncontaminated clean yellow soil into the cultivation area creates mineral-rich organic soil, distinguishing it from other regions that cultivate in sandy soil with a high sand content.

Additionally, Wanggok Chamoe is known as a high-quality chamoe that insists on using eco-friendly materials and has received GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certification.

Chamoe is a fruit rich in vitamin C, which is good for skin beauty and fatigue recovery, and its high water content helps quench thirst and has diuretic effects.

It also contains large amounts of special nutrients such as 'cucurbitacin,' which inhibits cancer cell growth, and 'beta-carotene,' which improves liver and heart diseases, making it popular as a health food.

About 70-80% of Wanggok Chamoe production is shipped to local food markets in the city and other regions of the province, with the remaining quantity sold directly to regular customers.

A city official said, "Although 70% of the national chamoe production is occupied by the Gyeongbuk region, Wanggok Chamoe is the only chamoe cultivation area in the province, producing high-quality chamoe with 4-5 fruits set per stem and high sugar content," adding, "We hope many people will enjoy Wanggok Chamoe, which offers both taste and health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.