Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
South Korea to test direct contracts at eight highway rest stops
South Korea's Korea Expressway Corporation is changing how businesses operate at highway rest stops through a pilot program at eight locations nationwide.
Until now, businesses selling food, drinks and other goods at rest stops have operated through rest-stop operators, which can add an extra fee.
The corporation will invite bids for 10 business rights starting Oct.
30, covering meals, snacks, cafes and convenience stores.
The selected businesses must run their own operations and cannot hand them to third parties.
The new contracts aim to reduce middle fees and encourage stable prices and better service for travelers.
Bids will be scored on business capability, service and price, with affordable coffee and convenience-store discounts among the criteria.
The corporation says it will prepare the pilot to improve service at all eight rest stops; the source does not give a date for when the selected businesses will begin operating.
South Korea’s Korea Expressway Corp. will begin bidding on Oct. 30 for a pilot program involving direct contracts with businesses at eight highway rest stops.
The contracts will bypass rest-stop operators, aiming to reduce fees paid by businesses and improve prices and service.
The pilot covers food, snacks, cafes and convenience stores, divided into 10 business rights.
Selected businesses must operate their outlets themselves and cannot outsource operations or sales to third parties.
Bids will be assessed on contract performance, service operations and price, rather than relying on rental-rate bids alone.
- Who
- Korea Expressway Corp. and businesses seeking to operate outlets at the rest stops.
- What
- The company is inviting bids for a pilot of direct contracts with outlet businesses.
- When
- Bidding begins Oct. 30, 2026.
- Where
- Eight highway rest stops across South Korea.
- Why
- To reduce businesses’ intermediary fees and encourage stable prices and improved service.
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This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Pilot locations
- 8 highway rest stops across South Korea
- Business rights
- 10
- Bidding begins
- Oct. 30, 2026
- Low-cost coffee evaluation
- Coffee priced at 2,000 won or less
- Contract rule
- Selected businesses must operate outlets themselves and cannot outsource them to third parties
1 source
What people are saying
As there is strong public interest, we will ensure the business application process is fair and transparent and prepare thoroughly so people can experience service improvements at the eight rest stops.