SEOUL, July, 21 (Korea Bizwire) – Driving on the highway can be an enervating experience, which is why highway rest stops are always a welcome sign. Korea is in the middle of renovating these rest stops, more specifically, their restrooms, to better serve weary drivers.
The Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC) revealed Thursday that it has completed public restroom renovations at a dozen rest stops on Korea’s expressways, with each one redecorated according to a different theme, and some incorporating regional culture and characteristics.
Restrooms at Manghyang Rest Stop feature Hanok – Korean traditional house – designs that are reminiscent of a nearby city’s (Cheonan) traditional cultural heritages such as Jiksan Hyanggyo, and Honggyeongsa, a Buddhist temple.
The restrooms at Hyeongpoong Rest Stop were decorated with designs inspired by the village’s 500-year-old zelkova tree, while Jeongeup Rest Stop presented a space-themed restroom for children, and a Roman Holiday-inspired women’s restroom.
Restrooms at Pyeongchang Rest Stop were refurbished to further promote the upcoming winter games in 2018, whereas Munmak Rest Stop incorporated themes from The Little Prince.
Nongong Rest Stop was more women-friendly, and its restrooms offer various amenities for women such as a lactation room and a powder room.
The remodeling process at 81 other highway rest stops is expected to be completed by the end of the month. According to the KEC, 15 rest stops near the Seoul metropolitan area will feature IoT-based restrooms, in which the mirrors will offer weather and traffic conditions, fuel prices, and even restaurant menus unique to different stops.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)