Gochang County is pitching mini watermelons as the next-generation strategic crop in its watermelon lineup, aiming to create a fresh income stream for local farmers as consumer tastes shift.
The county said on the 16th that officials recently visited fields where farmers have begun transplanting mini watermelon seedlings, heard growers' feedback, and discussed plans to scale up production. Staff from the Agricultural Technology Center and members of the Gochang Mini Watermelon Association joined the visit to assess growing conditions and distribution strategies.
Growers in the Gochang area began cultivating mini watermelons in 2017. Today they produce several small- and medium-fruited varieties, including Black Mango, Black Boss, and Apple watermelons.
Plantings cover about 90 hectares (roughly 222.4 acres), which, as of 2025, represented around 15% of the nation's mini watermelon acreage and made Gochang the country's largest production region. The harvest will be supplied nationwide through Gochang Hwangtobaegi distribution, wholesale markets, and major supermarket chains.
With single-person households on the rise and demand for smaller, grab-and-go fruit growing, retailers are increasingly focused on mini watermelons. They often fetch higher prices than full-size watermelons, which helps boost farmers' incomes.
The Gochang Mini Watermelon Association expects this year's crop to start shipping in earnest in June; about 100 farms currently participate in the association.
