If I were to pick one rest area on the highway that I love, it would undoubtedly be Geumgang Rest Area. It holds a special place in my heart, as my father used to stop by here on our way to the countryside when I was a child. Additionally, it’s a place filled with memories of fishing by the Yeoul stream under the Geumgang Rest Area, just below the rubber dam.
Geumgang Rest Area is used by travelers heading both to Seoul and Busan directions, so it’s important to pay attention to the signs when exiting to ensure you’re going in the right direction. (It’s not uncommon for people to mistakenly exit in the opposite direction and have to turn around at the next tollgate.)
Located in Okcheon County, Dongi-myeon, on Geumgang Road 596, Geumgang Rest Area is a must-visit spot on the Gyeongbu Expressway for its beautiful scenery and abundant food options. One of the highlights is the Dori Bang Bang set served at the second-floor Silk Road restaurant, offering a unique visual and taste experience.
The rest area features scenic spots with chairs overlooking the serene Geum River, providing a delightful ambiance. Furthermore, there’s a designated space under the rubber dam where you can enjoy various water activities and fishing, making it a popular destination for those who want to experience camping at Geumgang Rest Area.
You can even cross the river to explore other picturesque rural villages in Okcheon, with clear streams like Bojeongcheon running through the Chungcheong Province.
Geumgang Rest Area also offers opportunities for adventure by providing locations for duck boats and motorboat rides beneath the rubber dam, where you can park your car at the Geumgang IC and gate to access these activities.
One can enjoy the scenic beauty and lose track of time while sipping a cup of coffee amid such breathtaking views. There’s even a lazy, long-haired cat napping on a chair with a view of the river in the background.
The rest area features terrace parasols with a view of the river, making it an ideal place to take a break and relax during a road trip on a beautiful autumn day.
As electric vehicles become more common, Geumgang Rest Area has added charging stations to accommodate the needs of electric car owners.
If not for business, I’d love to park by the riverside, cast a fishing rod, and enjoy the thrill and romance of the place.
You can find love locks along the riverside, although it’s hard to say who first came up with the idea of putting love locks here. Nevertheless, it’s clear that many couples have visited this place to declare their love, despite knowing the odds of parting.
One of the noteworthy dining options at Geumgang Rest Area is New York Burger, offering a selection of thick patties topped with fresh vegetables. The Mozzarella Cheese and Sweet Red Bean Ten-Won Bread is a popular menu item, filled with Mozzarella cheese, creamy cheese sauce, and sweet, smooth red bean paste.
Traditional highway snacks like tteokbokki, hot bars, walnut snacks, and hot dogs are also available at various spots within the rest area.
There are tables and chairs throughout the rest area, with many of them placed against the backdrop of the river, providing a convenient place to take a break during your journey.
On the backside of the rest area, there are stairs leading down to the river, allowing you to take a leisurely walk along the riverbank.
As mentioned earlier, Geumgang Rest Area serves both the northbound and southbound lanes of the Gyeongbu Expressway, so you need to be attentive when exiting. When leaving the rest area, remember that turning left leads to Busan, while continuing straight past the gas station exit will take you towards Seoul and Daejeon.
Inside the rest area, there’s a village called Jaudae Village in Dongi-myeon, Okcheon County, with a long history. This village is known for its doribangbang, a traditional Korean game, and is located just past a small cave. It’s a charming place that showcases the region’s traditions.
Once again, it’s important to emphasize the importance of being cautious when exiting the rest area. Going to the left after the gas station exit takes you to Busan, while going straight after the gas station exit leads to Seoul and Daejeon.
Overall, Geumgang Rest Area is a unique and beautiful stop on the Gyeongbu Expressway, offering a mix of scenic beauty, tasty food, and various activities to enjoy during your journey.
✔ Geumgang Rest Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway offers a surprisingly diverse selection of food, including a renowned menu item known as Doribangbang. Be sure to stop by and try it out.
✔ Behind the rest area, you can exit through Geumgang IC TG, allowing you to park your car by the riverside and enjoy activities such as camping and fishing in a well-designed area.
✔ There are also stairs at the back of the building that lead down to the riverside, so you can leisurely explore the riverbank without necessarily taking your car.
#GyeongbuExpresswayGeumgangRestArea
#GeumgangRestAreaMenu
#GyeongbuExpresswayRestAreaFood
#GeumgangRestAreaCamping