Highway Rest Stops - Suffering a bit of car sickness for the thrill of tasty choices!
Hey there, fellow travelers and food enthusiasts! 🚗🍽️
Let's take a moment to dive into the delightful world of Korean holiday traditions. Imagine this: it's that special time of year, and families all across Korea are gearing up for a heartwarming reunion on the road. Yep, it's like a national migration, happening once or twice a year! And guess what? In France, we've got our own holiday hustle and bustle - Christmas!
Now, let's mark our calendars because come January 9th, it's time to celebrate Seollal, aka the Lunar New Year, Korean-style! Just like in many other parts of Asia, the Lunar New Year’s day is a big deal in Korea, filled with cherished family moments and delicious feasts.
But let's rewind a bit to my childhood days. When Seollal approached, it meant one thing: a scenic car journey to my grandma's house in the countryside. Five hours of winding roads, stunning mountain views, and yes, a fair share of motion sickness battles in my dad's trusty sedan.
Now, let's chat about those pit stops! In Korea, these highway rest areas are like hidden treasures along the journey. Picture this: a breath of fresh air, a chance to stretch your legs, and most importantly, a feast for your taste buds! From traditional Korean dishes to casual snacks, these rest areas have something for everyone.
One thing that always stood out to me? The buffet-style Korean meals! I can still recall the comforting aroma of seaweed soup, with memories of my mom meticulously preparing it back home. But nowadays, finding these nostalgic buffet meals at rest areas is a rare treat, except maybe at IKEA!
Chungju Highway rest stop - Apple Cutlet
Chungju Highway rest stop
Fast forward to last year, when I made a pit stop at Chungju Rest Area in Korea. Known for its apples, this place had a special delight on the menu: apple cutlet! And let me tell you, it was simply delightful, despite being reasonably priced.
Korean food at highway stops - <Corée Gourmande> / illustrations by AhnJi
But wait, there's more! At Osu Rest Area in Imsil County, they're all about that cheese life. From cheese stone bibimbap to grilled cheese, they've got your cravings covered.
So, if you ever find yourself cruising through Korea, be sure to make a pit stop at one of these highway rest areas. Trust me, it's a culinary journey you won't want to miss! And for more delightful tales from my travels, check out <Corée Gourmande> with more stories by Luna Kyung, published by Mango Editions in Paris.
Bon appétit, my fellow wanderers! 🌟🍴
