Discovering Haengdamdo Rest Area: A Unique Coastal Stopover
Haengdamdo Rest Area is a highway rest stop located in the middle of the Seohae Bridge in Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do. It is the only rest area in South Korea built on an island.
It is conveniently accessed when traveling between Incheon, the metropolitan area, and Mokpo via the Seohaean Expressway, making it a popular stop for both directions.
Thanks to its location with a view of the sea, it is not just a simple resting space but also known as a tourist attraction.
One side of the rest area features a windmill sculpture, making it a popular spot for photography.
There are areas nearby to relax briefly, making it an ideal place to catch your breath while enjoying the sea breeze during your drive along the Seohaean Expressway.
No rest area is complete without food options.
Haengdamdo Rest Area is relatively large compared to typical rest areas, with two separate dining areas.
With a wide selection of food, it is easy to find a meal while on the go.
One standout feature is the self-service restaurant, where you can choose from various side dishes and soups to create your own meal, a unique offering not commonly found at rest areas!
This setup allows for a home-cooked feel, offering good value depending on your choices.
Next to the self-service restaurant is another dining space called 'Gourmet Bridge,' a premium restaurant area with a wide variety of menu options, spacious seating, and a clean atmosphere.
It is convenient for dining with companions, as the menu caters to various tastes.
Inside the self-service restaurant, there is also a nursing room equipped with sinks for handwashing and disinfection, diaper changing stations, and separate nursing areas, making it a safe choice for those traveling with children.
Between the two dining areas, there are restrooms and a variety of snack shops along the walkway.
From coffee shops to popular snacks like walnut cookies and other desserts, there are many light options to enjoy.
On the second floor, you will find the Moda Outlet.
This outlet space features several brands, offering various fashion items like clothing, bags, shoes, and sportswear at relatively reasonable prices. This shopping opportunity adds another unique aspect to Haengdamdo Rest Area beyond just a place to rest.
Returning to the first floor, after passing the snack shops, you will find a spacious food court.
While it resembles typical highway rest areas, it is larger in scale and offers a variety of menu options, including Korean and Western cuisine, allowing for personal preferences.
One side of the food court also features a duty-free shop, where you can purchase items at airport duty-free prices without going through departure procedures or showing a passport, making it a great place to buy souvenirs, health products, or cosmetics during your travels.
For those needing to relieve fatigue from long drives, there is also a Bodyfriend lounge.
This space allows you to experience massage chairs, perfect for a short rest and relaxation.
The usage fee is affordable at 3,000 won for 10 minutes, 4,000 won for 20 minutes, and 5,000 won for 30 minutes.
Haengdamdo Rest Area also features a local food market operated by Sinpyeong Agricultural Cooperative.
This market allows you to purchase locally produced agricultural products and specialties, making it a great stop to grab local food before starting your trip or on your way home.
In front of the local food market, there is a viewing deck overlooking the West Sea, which attracts many visitors who intentionally stop their cars here.
This area also features an introduction and photo exhibition about Haengdamdo, enhancing your understanding of the region.
With a warm hotteok in hand, I headed back to Dangjin.
Haengdamdo Rest Area is a place you naturally stop by at the beginning and end of your journey.
Even if you're not heading to Dangjin, it is a charming resting space worth stopping at when using the Seohaean Expressway.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224162517022
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