Scenic views and restaurant-level food: highway rest stops worth the detour in Korea

Geumgang Service Area’s outdoor space sits beside the Geumgang recreation area, with tables installed so visitors can enjoy views of the river and surrounding mountains. Courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization

Traffic congestion has spread across the country since Feb. 13 as holiday travelers head to their hometowns for the Lunar New Year break. While the excitement of the journey remains, fatigue and hunger inevitably set in. Instead of pushing to reach their destination as quickly as possible, drivers may find it worthwhile to pull into a rest stop — where scenic views or a satisfying meal can turn a tiring drive into a pleasant travel moment.

Once seen simply as places to rest, highway stops in Korea have evolved into destinations in their own right. Many now highlight regional specialties and tourist attractions, drawing visitors intentionally rather than incidentally. Drawing on recommendations from the Korea Expressway Corp. and online buzz, here are some distinctive rest stops that can ease the stress of holiday traffic — whether on the way to or from home.

Scenic views and travel experiences

Inside a convenience store at Samguk Yusa Gunwi Service Area on the Sangju–Yeongcheon Expressway, famous for its retro interior evoking the 1970s. A sign reading “Daesin Store” stands out. Courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization

Few rest stops offer a stronger sense of “travel” than Geumgang Service Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway. Located beside the Geumgang River recreation area, it boasts sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and water. Opened in 1971 with the launch of Korea’s first expressway, it also holds the distinction of being the country’s oldest highway rest stop. Outdoor tables allow visitors to take in the scenery at a glance.

For travelers seeking scenic overlooks, Seomjingang Service Area on the Namhae Expressway and Okgye Service Area on the Donghae Expressway are also popular. Each features an observation deck — one overlooking the winding Seomjin River and the other the open East Sea — attracting visitors who stop specifically for the views.

Deokpyeong Natural Service Area on the Yeongdong Expressway resembles a vast theme park. A landscaped walking path called “Starlight Garden Universe” next to the facility has become a favorite, especially at night when illuminated installations create a luminous display. Chupungnyeong Service Area, opened in May 2024, also features a family-oriented theme park behind the building, including a zip coaster, adventure course and forest playground for children.

Gosam Lake Service Area on the Sejong–Pocheon Expressway, which officially opened on Feb. 7, is drawing positive responses for its spacious and comfortable facilities. Courtesy of Korea Expressway Corp. Seoul–Gyeonggi Headquarters

Some stops emphasize architecture as an attraction. Gosam Lake Service Area on the Sejong–Pocheon Expressway, officially opened Feb. 7, stands out with its triangular exterior and spacious interior reminiscent of a department store. Korea’s largest rest stop by site area, it spans 186,000 square meters and can accommodate 1,049 vehicles at once in both directions. Inside are 38 dining and retail outlets, including franchise restaurants and local eateries.

Visitors can also find unusual experiences at Sintanjin Service Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway and Maesong Service Area on the Seohaean Expressway. Since 2024, both have operated traffic-accident experience halls where visitors learn about drowsy-driving and secondary-collision risks and take safe-driving pledges. Samguk Yusa Gunwi Service Area on the Sangju–Yeongcheon Expressway draws attention with 1970s-style retro interiors resembling a film set, making it a popular photo spot.

Restaurant-level specialties

“Yongin Bok Choy Ramen,” a popular menu item at a restaurant inside Jukjeon Service Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway / Courtesy of Yongin City

Highway food is no longer a mere stopgap meal. Many rest stops now host eateries known for quality and regional flavors. A standout is “Yongin Seongsan Handon Bone Hangover Soup” at Jukjeon Service Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway, which won the grand prize at the Korea Expressway Corp.’s service-area food festival last year. Since Jan. 15, the stop has also sold “Yongin Bok Choy Ramen,” featuring locally grown bok choy, which has quickly become a new favorite for its clean and refreshing taste. At Hoengseong Service Area on the Yeongdong Expressway, the “Hoengseong Hanwoo Rice Cake and Deodeok Steak” — made with premium local beef — won the top prize at an international culinary competition in 2019 and is widely known as a favorite of television personality Lee Young-ja.

“Cheese Sine-so (schnitzel),” a signature menu item at Hanmi Restaurant in Chilgok Service Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway / Captured from Hanmi Restaurant’s Instagram account

Some visually striking eateries have become social-media hot spots. At Chilgok Service Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway, the Hanmi Restaurant is famous for “Cheese Sine-so" (schnitzel), a thick sandwich packed with pork cutlet and cheese between slices of bread. At Iksan Mireuksaji Service Area on the Honam Expressway, “Mama Tendon” features generous tempura made from local ingredients such as Seodong yam, Nangsan sweet potato and Yeosan onion served over rice, drawing strong reviews.

Even quick snacks offer distinctive flavors. “Whale bread” at Pyeongtaekho Service Area on the Seohaean Expressway resembles fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean or cream but is chewier inside and crisp outside. At Oedong Service Area on the Ulsan–Pohang Expressway, “Shiitake Gangjeong” — made from Gyeongju’s regional shiitake mushrooms — is available only there. Chilgok Service Area’s “Jumbo Walnut Pastry,” roughly the size of an adult’s fist, also frequently appears in social-media posts.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.