Highway Rest Stops in Korea : Korea is particularly known for its buzz of activities, always busy with numerous activities going on both in the night and day hours. Due to this fact mentioned above, the Korean roads are always busy with either travelers or road commuters. During weekends, festive periods, and national holidays like Thanksgiving day, Christmas Day, Korean New year, the Lunar new year, and other special events or holidays, in pursuit of relaxation, fun, pleasure, and adventure, families are used to traveling to visit friends, families and tour sites thereby making the roads busy with traffic and controlled movement Such journey can be stressful which makes it pertinent that rest stops are provided for these road users.
Rest Stops popularly known as “Hyugeso” in Korean are special spots that are either owned and managed by the government or private individuals along the highway where travelers can go in to have a short break, eat, use the bathroom, refuel their cars, and purchase other items of their interest. Other names for rest stops are Rest Plaza, Rest Area, Laybys, etc. Detailed in this article is all you need to know about rest stops in Korea, their origin, the services rendered in rest stops, and all interesting facts to look out for on your road trips as every road trip experience is not complete without a stopover at the “Hyugeso”
ORIGIN OF Highway Rest Stops in Korea
Rest stops can be traced back to the 1960s when the Korean government commenced the construction of highway roads. At that time, South Korea was experiencing significant economic growth, and the government recognized the need to improve transportation systems to support this growth. As the highway network expanded, it became apparent that rest areas were essential to provide travelers with amenities and facilities for rest, refreshment, and convenience. The first of these constructions was the 22km Gyeongin Expressway which was a link between the cities of Seoul and Incheon built-in 1968.
Following it was the 428km Gyeongbu Expressway completed 2 years later in 1970. The construction of these highways paved the way for the industrial revolution experienced in Korea. With these roads in use, the first-ever rest stop established in Korea is the Chupungnyeong Service area in 1971. The success of the Chupungnyeong Rest Area led to the development of rest stops along other highways in the country. The government recognized their significance in enhancing travel experiences and promoting road safety by allowing drivers to take breaks during long journeys. Prior to its massive upgrade, rest stops in Korea only offered snacks and noodles with dried squid to travelers. On other days, travelers were allowed to eat their homemade foods in the space provided.
Over the years, with more highway constructions, rest stops became more rampant as its relevance became more glaring and accepted by travelers. Old ones were renovated and rebranded while new ones suiting specific needs with distinct features sprouted up. Today, South Korea’s rest stops are renowned for their cleanliness, accessibility, and various offerings. They have become an integral part of the country’s highway culture, providing not only practical facilities but also opportunities for travelers to explore and experience local culture and cuisine. The development of rest stops in South Korea reflects the country’s commitment to providing convenient and enjoyable travel experiences for its residents and visitors alike.
In 2020, Korea had a record of 189 functional rest stops excluding the improvised and makeshift rest stops and rest stops strictly reserved for cargo transport staff. Starting from one rest stop in 1971, it is spectacular to see the growth and acceptance of rest stops in a period of 50 years generating over 1.3 trillion won in its internal revenue as of 2014.
SERVICES OFFERED IN Highway Rest Stops in Korea
Driving long distances can be stressful and boring leaving travelers hungry, famished, and tired. The variety of services offered in different rest stops gives travelers a soothing relief and something to look forward to.
Contrary to the boring services obtained in other rest stops around the world, Korea boasts of offering the best rest stop experience and some of these services include:
1. REFUEL AND LARGE PARKING SPACE
2. TOURISM
With the upgrade in rest stops, a lot of travelers come to these rest stops as their destination and not just stop over the center. Extensively, rest stops have transformed from just a place with tables and chairs for eating and bathrooms to a full-blown business and tourism hub where activities such as sightseeing, games, event venues, shopping spree, and product launch take place.
3. FOOD STORES
4. FUN ACTIVITIES
The beauty of Korean rest stops is in the dozens of fun activities that go on there making it a place to anticipate. Rest stops such as the Geumgang Rest Stop are located on the Seoul-Busan highway. It has a long promenade with double-seat recreational swings. Available in other rest stops are beautiful locations for pictures thereby allowing you to create memories of every road trip. Another remarkable fun activity is the Mukbang (eating show) hosted by the well-known Korean comedian, Youngja Lee where she experiments and eats new foods and drinks.
5. FREE WIFI AND PHONE CHARGING AREAS
6. BATHROOM AND BEAUTY SERVICE
7. SHOPPING MALL
8. PET CAFE
Few rest stops offer space for travelers with pets to drop off their pets while they use other sections of the facility. In rest stops like the spacious Seosan Hyugeso, there is a free 24/7 pet agility training program for pet owners and their pets.
