2025’s Top 5 Must-Try Rest Area Restaurants on Korean Highways (Lee Young-ja’s Picks Included!)

Embarking on a road trip across South Korea isn’t just about reaching your destination; it’s also about indulging in the unexpected culinary delights found at its highway rest areas! 🍜 Gone are the days of simple, uninspired meals; today, Korean rest stops are gastronomic hubs offering a surprising array of delicious and often regionally unique dishes. With celebrity endorsements, particularly from the renowned food connoisseur Lee Young-ja, these humble eateries have transformed into must-visit destinations themselves. Get ready to discover the top 5 rest area restaurants that promise to make your 2025 road trips even more flavorful! 🚗💨

The Evolution of Korean Rest Stop Gastronomy 🍽️

For many years, highway rest areas were merely pit stops for quick bathroom breaks and fuel refills. However, South Korea has revolutionized this concept, turning them into miniature food paradises. This transformation began with a focus on local specialties and quality ingredients, culminating in a nationwide appreciation for “rest stop gourmet.” The influence of food critics and celebrities, most notably Lee Young-ja, who famously dedicated a segment of her show to praising these hidden gems, has further cemented their status. Her passionate recommendations often lead to an immediate surge in popularity for the featured dishes, proving that even a humble rest stop can house a Michelin-worthy meal! ✨

How We Curated the 2025 BEST 5 🏆

Selecting the top 5 rest area restaurants for 2025 involves a blend of historical popularity, consistent quality, unique offerings, and, of course, the enduring influence of Lee Young-ja’s past and potential future recommendations. We’ve considered:

Our Top 5 Must-Try Rest Area Restaurants for 2025! 👇

1. Seohaean Expressway: Haengdam Island Rest Area – ‘Spicy Seafood Jjamppong’ 🌶️🍜

Why it’s a must-try: The Haengdam Island Rest Area, already famous for its scenic ocean views, has elevated its culinary game with an incredibly flavorful and generously portioned ‘Spicy Seafood Jjamppong’ (Korean spicy noodle soup). Packed with fresh seafood – clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid – and a broth that strikes the perfect balance between fiery heat and deep umami, it’s a warming embrace on a chilly day or a refreshing kick on a warm one. Many speculate this could be a new Lee Young-ja favorite, given her love for bold flavors and substantial meals! The noodles are perfectly chewy, and the broth, simmered for hours, is simply divine. 🌊

• Highlight: Fresh, abundant seafood and a deeply flavored, spicy broth.
• Tip: Visit during sunset for an incredible view while you slurp!

2. Gyeongbu Expressway: Manghyang Rest Area – ‘Hodu Gwaja (Walnut Cakes)’ 🌰🧇

Why it’s a must-try: While not a full meal, the ‘Hodu Gwaja’ from Manghyang Rest Area is legendary, and often cited as a hidden gem, the kind Lee Young-ja would pick up for a snack on the go. These small, walnut-shaped cakes, filled with sweet red bean paste and a piece of walnut, are baked fresh on-site. The aroma alone is enough to draw you in! They are crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, and perfectly sweet without being cloying. It’s the ultimate comfort snack that brings a smile to everyone’s face, whether for a quick bite or a gift. 🎁

• Highlight: Freshly baked, perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
• Tip: Buy a larger box for sharing (or not!). They make excellent gifts.

3. Honam Expressway: Jeonju Rest Area – ‘Jeonju Bibimbap’ 🍚🥢

Why it’s a must-try: You can’t visit Jeonju, the UNESCO City of Gastronomy, without trying its most famous dish: Bibimbap. The Jeonju Rest Area offers an authentic and incredibly satisfying rendition. Packed with beautifully arranged fresh vegetables, seasoned minced beef, a fried egg, and a dollop of gochujang (chili paste), all served over warm rice in a sizzling stone pot (dolsot bibimbap available!), it’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Lee Young-ja often emphasizes the importance of regional specialties, and this dish perfectly embodies that philosophy. The depth of flavor from the various ingredients, mixed expertly, is simply unparalleled. 🥕🥩🍳

• Highlight: Authentic Jeonju Bibimbap with fresh, quality ingredients.
• Tip: Don’t forget to scrape the crispy rice from the bottom of the dolsot!

4. Yeongdong Expressway: Gangneung Rest Area – ‘Chodang Tofu Sundubu Jjigae’ 🍲

Why it’s a must-try: Located near the famous Chodang Tofu Village in Gangneung, this rest area offers an unbelievably soft and flavorful ‘Sundubu Jjigae’ (soft tofu stew). Made with freshly prepared Chodang tofu, known for its silky texture and subtle, clean flavor, the stew is hearty yet light. Whether you choose the spicy seafood version or the milder clear broth, the freshness of the tofu shines through. It’s the perfect comforting meal, especially after a long drive or on a cold day, and it’s exactly the kind of genuine, regional comfort food Lee Young-ja would heartily recommend. 🌿🐟

• Highlight: Incredibly fresh, silky Chodang tofu in a comforting stew.
• Tip: Pair it with a side of freshly cooked white rice.

5. Gyeongbu Expressway: Gyeongju Rest Area – ‘Ssambap (Leaf-Wrapped Rice)’ 🥬🍖

Why it’s a must-try: The Gyeongju Rest Area, leveraging the region’s historical and culinary richness, offers a fantastic ‘Ssambap’ (leaf-wrapped rice) set. This healthy and interactive meal allows you to wrap various ingredients – seasoned rice, grilled meat (often pork or beef bulgogi), ssamjang (spicy dipping sauce), and garlic slices – in fresh leafy greens like lettuce or perilla leaves. It’s a fresh, customizable, and incredibly satisfying experience. Lee Young-ja appreciates meals that offer a balanced and engaging dining experience, making Ssambap a strong contender for her approval. It’s a taste of traditional Korean home cooking on the go. 🌱

• Highlight: Fresh, healthy, customizable, and interactive dining experience.
• Tip: Don’t be shy – load up your ssam with plenty of ingredients!

Tips for Your 2025 Rest Area Food Adventure 🗺️

To make the most of your culinary journey through Korean rest stops: