When you think of summer fruit, watermelon is the first to come to mind. There are several renowned watermelon-producing regions across the country, including Seongju, Gochang, Mudeungsan, and Eumseong (Maengdong). Among them, Haman in South Gyeongsang is regarded as the place that brings watermelons to market the earliest among major producing areas. Shipments are about a month earlier than in other regions.
Haman watermelons are not only known for being "early watermelons." They also have a long history. In Haman, watermelons have reportedly been cultivated since the Joseon era and offered to the royal court. Thanks to the geographic feature where the Nakdong River and Nam River meet, fertile land developed along the rivers, and abundant sunlight created an environment well-suited for watermelon cultivation.
◇Watermelons entered the Korean Peninsula in the Goryeo era, and in Haman they were tribute in the Joseon era
Watermelon is known to have originated in Egypt. In desert regions, watermelon was more than a simple fruit; it served as a "water pouch," replenishing fluids when water was scarce. Starting in Egypt, watermelon spread through the Middle East and Central Asia to East Asia, and it is believed to have reached the Korean Peninsula in the Goryeo era.
Haman watermelons became a representative local specialty as the area's natural conditions combined with cultivation techniques. Haman's large day-night temperature range is favorable for producing high-sugar watermelons. In particular, from Nov. to Feb. of the following year, the average temperature is 2.1 degrees, warmer than other producing regions. With the spread of early-maturing varieties and the expansion of greenhouse cultivation, winter watermelon production also became active. As much as 70% of Korea's winter watermelons are produced in Haman.
Varieties have also diversified. Representative types include "mango watermelon," an elongated oval with yellow flesh like a mango; "golden watermelon," featuring golden leopard-like stripes; "black rice watermelon," with a black, thin rind; and "passion watermelon," a seedless type with a black rind. Beyond traditional striped watermelons, differing colors, shapes, and textures are widening consumer choices.
Every May, Haman also hosts a world watermelon festival. The festival is held ahead of the full summer harvest season to highlight the strength of Haman watermelons shipped early. The festival features various watermelon-themed events, including a quality contest, a seed-spitting contest, and a carving contest. Since the first festival in 2012, it has been held every year except during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021.
Haman watermelons, shipped early and diversified by variety, have now become a regional brand beyond a simple summer fruit. In addition to their cool, sweet taste, their high water content and nutrients are reasons watermelon is loved as a signature summer fruit.
◇A summer fruit with more than 90% water content… helps quench thirst and cool down
Watermelon is composed of more than 90% water. It helps replenish fluids during the sweaty summer months and is good for lowering body temperature and quenching thirst. Watermelon has long been called a "natural antipyretic" for this reason.
In Donguibogam, watermelon appears under the name "seogwa." Heo Jun recorded that watermelon relieves thirst, reduces heat, and promotes urination. It was regarded as a medicinal ingredient for cooling in summer. Bencao Gangmu also notes that seogwa cools heat and aids diuresis.
The red flesh of watermelon is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant. Lycopene is known to reduce cellular damage and help with anti-aging and cardiovascular health. It may also have a positive effect on easing skin damage from ultraviolet rays.
Citrulline in watermelon helps dilate blood vessels and remove waste products. It may help relieve swelling that occurs easily in the summer. It also contains vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium, which are good for recovering from summer fatigue. Its calories are low, at about 30 kcal per 100 grams.
However, watermelon does contain sugars. People with diabetes or those who need to manage blood sugar should control their intake rather than eat a lot at once. While chilled watermelon helps cool down, overeating can burden blood sugar or cause abdominal discomfort, so it is best to eat it in moderation.