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Apple Handmade Pork Cutlet at Chungju Rest Area, Popular at Rest Area
Records Highest Sales Since COVID-19 Pandemic

Seoul Gyeongbu Expressway Busan-bound Mannam Square Rest Area Menu Board. Not directly related to the above photo.

The most sold unique food item at rest areas since the COVID-19 pandemic is the Apple Handmade Pork Cutlet from Chungju Rest Area. According to data submitted by the Korea Expressway Corporation to Min Hong-cheol, a member of the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 14th, the number of vehicles using highways during holiday periods has been increasing annually: △26.82 million in 2021 △29.23 million in 2022 △34.19 million in 2023.

As highway usage increases, various foods available at highway rest areas are gaining attention. Unique menus that reflect local characteristics are especially noted for enhancing the enjoyment of holidays and travel.

Looking at the "Unique Food Sales Ranking," the top five are △1st Chungju Rest Area (towards Changwon) Apple Handmade Pork Cutlet (35,106 servings, approximately 417 million KRW) △2nd Hoengseong Rest Area (towards Gangneung) Hoengseong Hanwoo Beef Soup (40,104 servings, approximately 401 million KRW) △3rd Anseong Rest Area (towards Busan) Anseong Hanwoo Yukgaejang (31,512 servings, approximately 347 million KRW) △4th Andong Rest Area (towards Busan) Andong Salted Mackerel Grilled Set Meal (27,331 servings, approximately 328 million KRW) △5th Seoul Mannam Plaza Rest Area (towards Busan) Maljukgeori Beef Soup (35,251 servings, approximately 293 million KRW). Notably, Maljukgeori Beef Head Soup at Anseong Rest Area (towards Busan) accounted for more than 3% of total sales.

Assemblyman Min pointed out that the unique menus offered at rest areas also contribute to revitalizing the local economy. He emphasized, "During the holiday period, these menus provide a special experience to the increasing number of highway users. Rest areas are no longer just simple stops but have become important spaces where people can experience the local characteristics and culture."

Meanwhile, the Apple Handmade Pork Cutlet is a dish featuring a handmade pork cutlet topped with a special sauce containing large pieces of Chungju apples. It is praised for allowing customers to enjoy the crispy cutlet along with the unique sweet taste of apples. The 'Cheongsong Apple Pork Cutlet' at Cheongsong Rest Area on the Sangju-Yeongdeok Expressway was also selected in 2019 as one of the top 10 highway restaurants by broadcaster Lee Young-ja and the Korea Expressway Corporation.