The “Kkokkoma Cabbage” from Gunsan, North Jeolla Province, is taking the market by storm. Each mature cabbage weighs 800 g to 1.2 kg, which makes it remarkably small. Its leaves are not too thick, hence ideal to eat raw. This petite cabbage has been internationally branded as “Tamanakomachi” in Japan, which translates as “Beauty Cabbage,” and as “Yangkun” in Taiwan. The Gunsan Miniature Cabbage Research Association has taken the lead in exporting this product in recent years, mainly to Japan and Taiwan, both of which have huge cabbage markets. The first export in 2018 reached 40 tons. In 2019, exports reached 140 tons: 130 tons to Taiwan and 10 tons to Japan. In 2020, exports reached 70.1 tons, split between Taiwan (48.8 tons) and Japan (21.3 tons). In 2021, 11 tons were exported to Japan, and in 2022, 43 tons to Taiwan. According to the Korea Rural Economic Institute, as of 2019, the average person in Japan and Taiwan consumes between 15-20 kg of cabbage annually, nearly three times the 6.5 kg consumed in Korea.

Asia Seed Company, a private breeding company, developed the Kkokkoma Cabbage in 2000. Now known as “Gunsan Miniature Cabbage,” it's a domestic variety. Although it was once overshadowed by larger cabbages, its resurgence in popularity coincides with the growth of single-person households. In its first year, it was grown on 7.9 hectares by seven farms, yielding 40 tons. As demand grew, by 2020, 66 farms were producing 700 tons, accounting for 60% of the domestic Kkokkoma Cabbage yield. In 2019, it won the top prize at the National Horticultural Special Science Institute's “New Horticultural Technology Promotion Comprehensive Evaluation.” Unlike regular cabbage, which takes about 100 days from planting to harvesting, this variety needs only 45-60 days, allowing for two harvests per year.

In the fall of 2022, the producers formed a joint selection organization. All participating farms secured GAP certification, ensuring that they provide safe and high-quality cabbage. From 2018 to September 2023, there has been a fluctuation in farm participation and cultivation area, with domestic supply peaking at 278.7 tons in 2021. After a successful pilot sale at four Lotte Mart stores in North Jeolla Province in 2019, the cabbage was fully launched at 120 Lotte Mart stores nationwide in November that year. As of the end of May this year, 21.1 tons have been delivered to stores including Lotte Mart, Market Kurly, and Hanaro Mart.
The flavor of Kkokkoma Cabbage strikes a balance between cabbage and lettuce: it's crunchy with a sweetness that registers at ten brix. Its small size and soft texture make it a hit with children and seniors, and it's a perfect salad ingredient for smaller households. The cabbage can be enjoyed without the addition of sauces and is completely edible with no waste. Rich in vitamin U, it's especially beneficial for those with sensitive digestive systems, and it's also a good source of vitamin K, known for its osteoporosis-preventing properties. Cabbage can be used in a variety of recipes. In 2021, the "Gunsan Miniature Cabbage Research Association" will be recognized as the "Premier Agricultural Product Production Site. Gunsan City aims to triple its production by 2025, positioning it as a hallmark regional agricultural product. As of 2020, these miniature cabbages accounted for approximately 30% of Lotte Mart's cabbage sales, and with a repurchase intention rate of over 75%, their market share is expected to increase.