"Delicious Melons Are Here"... Gokseong Melon Begins First Shipments

Grown in an Optimal Natural Environment, Renowned for Exceptional Sweetness
Solid Foundation for High Quality Through Systematic Management

Gokseong Melon, the signature agricultural and specialty product of Gokseong and a renowned premium brand, has begun full-scale shipments this month. Known for its exceptional sweetness and quality, Gokseong Melon is expected to reach consumers across Korea through August while also accelerating its entry into overseas markets.

According to Gokseong-gun on May 18, Gokseong Melon Co., Ltd. held its first shipment ceremony on May 11, and Gokseong Nonghyup held a similar event on May 15, both praying for a bountiful and safe harvest this year. Gokseong Melon is a leading local crop that has enjoyed great popularity among consumers nationwide every year, and it is once again drawing attention this year for its outstanding sweetness and quality.

Gokseong Nonghyup held the "2026 Gokseong Nonghyup Premium Melon Joint Sorting and Shipping Ceremony" on the 15th at the Gongsung Nonghyup Agricultural Products Distribution Center in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, praying for a bountiful harvest this year. Provided by Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gokseong boasts a natural environment optimized for melon cultivation, with soil rich in organic matter, abundant sunlight, and significant temperature variations between day and night. Melons grown under these conditions are celebrated for their high sugar content and excellent quality. Furthermore, a systematic management system—from seedling cultivation to harvest and sorting—has established a solid foundation for high-quality production.

Currently, there are approximately 280 melon farms in Gokseong, covering a total area of 112 hectares, making it a leading high-income crop in the region. The county continues to provide various administrative support measures to foster Gokseong Melon as a “premium brand crop.”

In addition, practical support measures are being implemented to strengthen the production and distribution base for farmers, including subsidies for seedling and packaging material purchases for joint sorting, support for distribution and logistics costs, direct payments for agricultural and fisheries export-specialized items, and alternative support for export logistics expenses.

Moreover, by being selected for the Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services’ project to foster regionally specialized crops as part of a customized future strategy, efforts are also being made to establish a foundation for stable, year-round production of high-quality melons.

Building on this foundation, the county is stepping up efforts to expand beyond its established premium brand and target overseas markets. Last year, Gokseong exported a total of 31 tons (about USD 100,000) of melons to Asian regions such as Hong Kong and Singapore, showcasing their excellence to the world.

With this first shipment, Gokseong Melon will see full-scale harvesting and sales continue through August. The county plans to further expand its connection with consumers through a variety of marketing activities both online and offline.

A Gokseong-gun official said, "Gokseong Melon is more than just a fruit—it is a symbol of the competitiveness and pride of our local agriculture," adding, "We will continue to do our best to create a sustainable agricultural environment and revitalize the local economy."

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