Gochang-gun Holds First Planting of 2026 Geographical Indication Gochang Premium Watermelon

Gochang Watermelon, whose value as a premium Korean watermelon has been certified through its Geographical Indication registration, has announced the start of the full-scale growing season.

Gochang-gun announced that on the 20th it held the "2026 Geographical Indication Gochang Premium Watermelon First Planting Ceremony" at a watermelon cultivation field in Mujang-myeon, with officials and farmers in attendance.

Gochang-gun held the "2026 Geographical Indication Gochang Premium Watermelon First Official Ceremony." Provided by Gochang-gun

The "Gochang Watermelon Geographical Indication Registration" is the fruition of a long-cherished project that Gochang-gun and local watermelon-growing farms have been jointly pursuing since 2020 to solidify the reputation of Gochang Watermelon and secure intellectual property rights for its agricultural products. As a result, on September 20, 2024, Gochang Watermelon was officially registered as Geographical Indication No. 116.

For Gochang Watermelon, the first planting of watermelon seedlings takes place every year from February to the end of March. The watermelons planted on this day are scheduled to be harvested in late May and will be presented to consumers as the first Gochang Premium Watermelons bearing the 2026 Geographical Indication mark.

In particular, the farm of Park Hyeongnam, where the event was held, drew attention once again as a symbolic leading producer in the premium branding of Gochang Watermelon. Park was the main figure who set a record at a commemorative auction for the launch of Geographical Indication Gochang Premium Watermelon held in Seoul last year, where a single watermelon was sold for 5 million won, thereby promoting the premium value of Gochang Watermelon nationwide.

The head of the Gochang-gun Agricultural Technology Center said, "Gochang Watermelon is a top-level premium agricultural product in Korea, created by the climate, soil, and the devotion of farmers," adding, "We will do our best to increase farm income through continuous quality control and marketing of Geographical Indication Gochang Watermelon."