Seongju melon revenue hits record 652.9 billion KRW

Seongju melon production has reached a record high, with annual agricultural revenue hitting 652.9 billion KRW. This growth is driven by an increase in production volume to 211,400 tons and an expansion of greenhouse facilities, despite a slight decrease in the total number of farming households.

However, experts warn that the industry must shift its focus from quantitative growth to qualitative improvement to maintain its brand reputation. The rapid increase in foreign seasonal workers—growing from 24 in 2022 to over 2,000 in 2026—has helped alleviate labor shortages and boost output, but some farmers report difficulties in maintaining meticulous quality control due to larger production scales.

To address these challenges, Seongju County and local cooperatives are looking toward smart farming, facility modernization, and improved distribution systems. Strategies include developing content marketing for younger consumers, expanding export markets, and establishing stricter quality standards within collective sorting centers to prevent a “downward leveling” of product quality.