Korea’s Highway “Rest Area” Culture
If you’ve ever traveled by car in Korea, you’ve likely stopped at a “휴게소” (rest area) at least once. While it corresponds to Japan’s Service Area (SA) or Parking Area (PA), it actually holds many unique cultural features that differ from Japan.
This time, we’ll compare it with Japanese service areas and introduce the charm of Korean rest areas along with their signature foods!
Difference from Japan ①: Food Takes Center Stage—A Mini Food Festival
While Japan’s service areas (SA) offer local specialties and restaurants, they often give the impression of being just a place to rest.
In contrast, many people visit Korean rest areas primarily for the food. The variety and quality of dishes are impressive, and there’s even a term called “rest area mukbang,” reflecting how some drivers treat these stops as culinary adventures.
From street-food-style snacks to full meals in food courts, Korean rest areas often feel like mini food festivals.
Difference from Japan ②: Easy Access and Modern Design
In Japan, many SAs and PAs can only be accessed via the highway, but some Korean rest areas are also reachable from regular roads.
Additionally, many rest areas feature modern, stylish designs resembling shopping malls. Restrooms are spacious and clean, and smart services like AI robot guides and self-order kiosks have been increasingly introduced.
Difference from Japan ③: Nationwide Popularity of “Rest Area Foods”
Japan also has local specialty menus, but in Korea, the competition is fiercer. TV programs and social media frequently highlight “rest area eateries,” and popular dishes often gain nationwide fame. Some people even drive several hours specifically to try a famous menu item.
Top 5 Must-Try Foods at Korean Rest Areas
Here are five classic and popular foods you can find at most rest areas. Perfect for a break during your drive:
1. Sotteok Sotteok (ソトクソトク)
Skewers alternating sausage and rice cake, grilled with a sweet and spicy sauce. Easy to eat and highly addictive, a quintessential rest area snack.
2. Hodu-gwaja (クルミ菓子)
A traditional Korean walnut pastry filled with sweet red bean paste and walnuts. Chewy and nutty, it’s a popular snack at rest areas.
3. Eomuk Skewers (おでん串)
Fish cake skewers served in hot broth, perfect for colder seasons. Often sold near the entrance of most rest areas.
4. Udon & Gukbap (うどん・クッパ)
For a more filling option, try Korean-style udon with rich broth or gukbap, a hearty bowl of rice, meat, and kimchi.
5. French Fries & Cheese Hot Dogs (フライドポテト・チーズホットドッグ)
Popular among younger visitors, these Korean-style snacks include cheese-stuffed hot dogs and fries-topped hot dogs—also very Instagrammable.
Other Convenient Facilities
Korean rest areas often have cafes, convenience stores, smartphone charging stations, children’s playgrounds, massage chairs, and more for drivers’ convenience. Since 2020, more rest areas are pet-friendly, with dog runs and spaces for pets.
If You’re Planning a Rental Car Trip in Korea
When traveling by rental car, rest areas aren’t just a place to take a break—they’re part of the fun of the journey. You can experience a unique culture different from Japan while enjoying delicious local food.
Summary
Korea’s rest area culture is full of unique charms that differ from Japan’s service areas. With a wide variety of foods, modern facilities, clean restrooms, and many entertainment elements, these “destination-style rest areas” are one of the joys of traveling in Korea.
Next time you have the chance to go on a road trip in Korea, be sure to experience this distinctive rest area culture!
Table of Contents
