South Korea Overhauls Highway Rest Stops for Lower Prices, Better Services

South Korea is set to transform its highway rest stops, moving away from a multi-layered operator system that led to high prices and subpar services. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced a comprehensive reform plan aimed at benefiting travelers.

Under the current structure, vendors pay hefty intermediary fees, averaging 33% and sometimes reaching 51% of sales. This cost is passed on to consumers, resulting in inflated prices for food and services. The new model will introduce specialized public management companies that contract directly with vendors. This change is expected to slash intermediary fees to a mere 8-9% of sales, after accounting for management costs.

The selection criteria for vendors will also shift. Instead of prioritizing high bidders, the focus will be on quality, service, and price competitiveness. This ensures that lower fees translate into better value for travelers. The reforms also include plans for "youth stores" to support young entrepreneurs and the use of revenue from solar power installations to improve the rest stop environment.

“

Rest stops should be places where people can relax comfortably, but due to irrational structures solidified over decades, people have had to endure inconveniences like high prices and disappointing services.

Convenience stores will now operate 24 hours, offering ready-to-eat meals and comfortable dining spaces. Travelers can also expect promotions like "buy one, get one free" deals and loyalty point programs. The introduction of affordable coffee, priced under 2,000 won (approximately $1.45), is a significant change from the current average of 4,800 won.

To restore public trust, the Korea Expressway Corporation will exclude its current and former employees (within three years of departure), their spouses, and direct relatives from bidding on rest stop contracts. This move targets alleged corruption and cartel-like practices within the existing system. The first eight rest stops to implement these changes will begin operations by December, with a full rollout planned for early next year.

“

We will boldly dismantle irrational structures and fill rest stops solely with the convenience of the people, returning them to the public.