Premium Jeju Native Black Pig "Nanchukmatdon"... Rural Development Administration to Expand Production Base and Strengthen Quality Control

The Rural Development Administration is working to both expand the production base and strengthen quality control to increase consumption of "Nanchukmatdon," a black pig breed unique to Jeju Island.

Jo Yongmin, Director of the National Institute of Animal Science at the Rural Development Administration, stated on the 18th, "Nanchukmatdon is a representative research achievement that connects our unique livestock resources to the industrial field and consumer market. Moving forward, we will continue to expand the industry base so that farms can access new income opportunities and consumers can enjoy reliable, locally produced black pork."

Joyongmin, Director of the National Institute of Animal Science at the Rural Development Administration, is explaining about heat-resistant pork at the Government Complex Sejong on the 18th. Rural Development Administration

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Developed by the Nanjil Livestock Research Center of the Rural Development Administration, Nanchukmatdon-meaning "delicious pig"-is a breed designed to maintain the meat quality traits and black coat gene of the indigenous Jeju Black Pig while improving industrial productivity.

Nanchukmatdon is distinguished from conventional pork in terms of meat quality. Its intramuscular fat (marbling) content averages over 10%, which is higher than that of regular pigs (1-3%), resulting in meat that is tender and highly flavorful.

In addition, the average redness, an indicator of meat color, is 12.35, higher than regular pigs (6.5-8.5), giving it a more vivid appearance. Due to these characteristics, even low-fat cuts like sirloin and hind leg, which were previously difficult to use for grilling, now have evenly distributed intramuscular fat, making a variety of cuts suitable for grilling.

The 'Don Mahawk' (right) from Nanchukmatdon, carefully trimmed to enjoy with gabrisal, sirloin, and pork belly together, and the Don Mahawk cut from a regular pig. Rural Development Administration

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Nanchukmatdon is also highly economical to raise and distribute. Analysis by the Rural Development Administration showed that, based on the same shipment size (2,500 pigs) as Jeju Black Pigs, it generated approximately 230 million won in additional annual income. This is because the carcass price per kilogram is about 8,500 won for Nanchukmatdon, which is higher than that of regular pigs (6,630 won) and Jeju Black Pigs (7,340 won).

The number of farms and restaurants raising and serving Nanchukmatdon is also increasing. While there was only one farm in Jeju in 2019, by 2025 there are 14 farms nationwide (12 in Jeju and 2 inland). In addition, the distribution of breeding stock began with 113 pigs supplied to a farm in Sancheong, Gyeongnam last year, further expanding the production base from Jeju to inland areas.

The consumer market is also rapidly expanding. The number of restaurants selling Nanchukmatdon increased from 2 in 2019 to 68 as of February 2026. In the distribution sector, online sales platforms such as Naver Smart Store and Market Kurly are being actively utilized, making it easier for consumers to purchase Nanchukmatdon at home.

To further industrialize Nanchukmatdon, the Rural Development Administration plans to simultaneously expand the production base and strengthen quality control. Director Jo stated, "We will pursue improvement for higher productivity by reflecting on-site demand, and increase breed reliability by verifying Nanchukmatdon through genetic analysis. We also plan to gradually expand dedicated farms and distribution networks, broaden consumer access through food service businesses and online sales, and proactively support the expansion of the domestic black pig market."

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