Watermelons and melons market in South Korea, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh watermelons and melons in South Korea expanded from 607.8 thousand tons in 2018 to 676.0 thousand tons in 2023. Growth was uneven, with volume rising to 626.4 thousand tons in 2019, dipping slightly in 2020, then surging by 11.6% to 688.4 thousand tons in 2021. The market held at that level through 2022 before a modest decline in 2023.

In value terms, the market increased from 1.73 billion US dollars in 2018 to 2.47 billion US dollars in 2023. The most pronounced shift occurred in 2021, when the market value jumped 37.7% to 2.47 billion dollars, reflecting higher prices or a change in product mix. After a slight contraction in 2022, the market value recovered in 2023.

Production watermelons and melons in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Korea ranked 24th globally in the production of watermelons and melons.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

In 2020, South Korea produced 615.4 thousand tons of watermelons and melons, marking a 1.7% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 8.5%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 2.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 607.2 thousand tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 9.7% decrease, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 3.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the production of watermelons and melons in South Korea saw a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 792 million US dollars, representing a 0.6% decrease compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%. The peak value was reached in 2019 at 1 803 million US dollars. The most substantial increase was recorded in 2018, at 5.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Korea in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports watermelons and melons from South Korea

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, South Korea's cross-border shipments of watermelons and melons totaled 1 472 tons, reflecting a 16.8% decline from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 14.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 5.1%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 270 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 1 769 tons. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, with a 26.3% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2019, at 39.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, accounting for 38.7% of exports in kind, Asia not elsewhere specified at 23.5%, and Japan at 21.9%, were the top contributors to South Korea's exports in this category. Together, they represented 84.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, South Korea's cross-border shipments of watermelons and melons reached 4 288 thousand US dollars, showing a 15.8% decrease from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 3 614 thousand US dollars, while the peak was in 2019 at 5 093 thousand US dollars. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, at 40.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong, with 37.0% of exports in value terms, Japan at 22.7%, and Asia not elsewhere specified at 22.1%, were the principal buyers of watermelons and melons from South Korea. Collectively, they accounted for 81.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from South Korea in value, 2017-2020

Imports watermelons and melons to South Korea

Imports in kind, t

South Korea's import volume of watermelons and melons increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 472 tons, showing a dramatic rise of 46.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 94.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated South Korea's imports of watermelons and melons in kind, holding a 98.5% share of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

South Korea's import value of watermelons and melons increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 842 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 21.4% year-over-year improvement. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 74.6%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 20.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States led the partner structure for imports in value terms, consistently accounting for 92.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to South Korea in value, 2017-2020