I visited the Donghae Rest Area on the Donghae Expressway, which is located just past Gangneung on the way from Yangyang to Donghae, where I couldn’t miss the sea. The first scenery you encounter when parking at Donghae Rest Area is the expansive view of the East Sea, with colors ranging from green to deep blue.
The parking lot is somewhat smaller than typical rest areas, resulting in a crowded feel due to the abundance of cars and limited space. The first menu encounter at Donghae Rest Area is Drop Top Coffee near the entrance. However, compared to other rest areas, the variety of food options is somewhat limited.
High Shop, a common sight at highway rest areas, is present with its attached stores. The snack corner offers various appetizers, including a hot bar and indispensable walnut pastries. Despite being a small rest area, Donghae Rest Area stands out with two clothing stores.
The automated coffee-making robot at Ondabang adds a performance aspect to the growing trend of unmanned cafes. It operates 24 hours a day. The reason why Donghae Rest Area is renowned as a photo-worthy spot becomes evident upon observing its surroundings.
The set meal made in a hanok (traditional Korean house) and the panoramic view of the East Sea make the experience truly immersive. Despite a somewhat limited variety, essential food items such as tonkatsu, udon, spaghetti, and, of course, ramen are available.
There is a convenience store where you can either order food directly or use a kiosk for unmanned transactions. Additionally, there is a High Pass card charging station, a common feature in many rest areas nowadays.
Notably, Donghae Rest Area provides a self-payment kiosk for toll fees, eliminating the need to visit a toll booth at a Korea Expressway Corporation office, which was the previous practice.
Doll grab machines and vending machines are strategically placed to capture the curiosity of children, ensuring that they stay entertained during the journey. A small accessories store selling hats, bags, and trinkets adds to the variety not commonly found in other locations.
Donghae Rest Area, despite being a small rest stop along the Donghae Expressway in Gangwon Province, offers almost every seat with a view of the sea, allowing travelers to enjoy the coastal atmosphere. Upon entering the dining area, you are immediately greeted by an ocean view, making it a popular stop even if the food may not be exceptional.
Donghae Rest Area is equipped with a hydrogen charging station, a relatively rare feature nationwide, providing a pleasant surprise for hydrogen vehicle drivers. It’s a welcoming sight for those driving hydrogen-powered vehicles!
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