Gochang-gun, the Nation's Largest Mini Watermelon Producer, Begins First Official Planting

Gochang Agricultural Technology Center conducted the first planting of Gochang mini watermelons on the 13th and held an on-site meeting with members of the Gochang Mini Watermelon Association. Photo by Gochang County Office

Gochang-gun is focusing its efforts on cultivating "mini watermelons" as a new growth engine for "Gochang Watermelons."

According to Gochang-gun on March 16, Oh Seong-dong, head of the Agricultural Technology Center, visited the site of the first official planting of Gochang Mini Watermelons on the 13th, personally planted mini watermelon seedlings, and held an on-site meeting with members of the Gochang Mini Watermelon Association.

Gochang Mini Watermelon cultivation began in 2017, and the Gochang Mini Watermelon Association has been at the center of growing medium and small-sized watermelons, including Black Mango Watermelon, Black Boss Watermelon, and Apple Watermelon.

The cultivation area is approximately 90 hectares, accounting for about 15% of the total mini watermelon cultivation area nationwide as of 2025, making it the largest in the country. The mini watermelons produced this year are expected to be shipped nationwide through diverse distribution channels, including Gochang Hwangto Baegi Distribution, wholesale markets, and major supermarkets.

In particular, as the proportion of single-person households surpassed 36.1% according to the 2024 Population Census, consumption patterns are changing and demand for small-sized fruits is increasing, leading to growing interest from distribution companies in mini watermelons.

Mini watermelons come in a variety of varieties, colors, and shapes, broadening choices for consumers. They also command higher prices compared to regular watermelons, positively impacting farmers’ income.

According to the Gochang Mini Watermelon Association, the mini watermelons planted this time are expected to begin full-scale shipment starting in June. The association was launched in 2022 when six mini watermelon growers’ groups in the region merged, and currently about 100 members are participating.

Shim Deokseop, Mayor of Gochang-gun, stated, "We are intensively cultivating mini watermelons as a next-generation strategic crop to continue the reputation of Gochang Watermelons," adding, "We will do our utmost to increase farmers’ income and strengthen the competitiveness of Gochang agricultural products by branding mini watermelons in line with consumer trends."

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