Opening of 'Namhangang Rest Area' Featuring 4th Industrial Revolution Advanced Technologies

Korea Expressway Corporation announced on the 2nd that it has opened 'Namhangang Rest Area,' the first advanced rest area, within the Namyangpyeong Hi-Pass IC site on the Jungbu Naeryuk Expressway.

Digital signage installed on the entire indoor front area of Namhangang Rest Area. / Photo by Korea Expressway Corporation

Located in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province, Namhangang Rest Area is equipped with facilities where visitors can experience new technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution such as digital signage, hologram guides, robot chefs, drone urban air mobility (UAM), and virtual reality (VR).

The large digital signage installed at the front interior of the rest area displays real images, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The hologram panel, which serves as an unmanned information desk, welcomes visitors with a life-sized avatar guide. The robot chef manufactures and sells various products such as chicken and ice cream on-site. On the rooftop of the rest area, visitors can see a life-sized drone UAM model. It is actually boardable and offers views of the surroundings of Namhangang Rest Area through VR devices.

Additionally, reflecting the regional characteristics with many camping enthusiasts and suburban drive customers, the rest area provides differentiated services by installing a pet park, pet-friendly restaurant, glamping zone, and camping equipment storage.

Ham Jin-gyu, president of Korea Expressway Corporation, said, "In the future, rest areas will provide customers with more diverse and new experiences based on advanced 4th Industrial Revolution technologies," adding, "We will continue to expand future-oriented rest areas that consider public health, convenience, and the environment."