"Peak Season Starts After Jangma" Food Companies Without Rest Areas Forecast 'Clear' Weather

Increase in Domestic Travel Due to COVID-19 Spread Leads to More Rest Area Visitors
Sales Expected to Rise Significantly from August 15-17 Holidays to Late Summer Vacations
Food and Dining Industry Sees Popularity of 'Untact' Stores at Rest Areas

Haengdamdo Rest Area operated by CJ Freshway

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] During the summer vacation season, food companies entrusted with operating rest areas are increasingly optimistic. Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the number of people choosing domestic travel instead of overseas trips has surged, leading to rising sales at rest areas. The industry expects a full-scale sales increase during the upcoming holiday from the 15th to the 17th, continuing through the late summer vacation after the rainy season.

According to CJ Freshway on the 13th, sales at Haengdamdo Rest Area, which they operate under contract, have recently recovered to about 90% of the pre-COVID-19 level. Sales plummeted to about half the usual level in February and March when the impact of COVID-19 intensified, but have been recovering since May. In terms of vehicle traffic volume, it has also returned to a level similar to the previous year. In June last year, the number of vehicles visiting Haengdamdo Rest Area was 310,000, and this year during the same period, it was about 270,000. A CJ Freshway official said, "We expect a full-scale sales increase starting from this month's vacation period, which includes Liberation Day and temporary holidays, continuing through the hot weather after the rainy season."

Sales at 22 rest areas nationwide operated by Pulmuone Food & Culture are also rapidly recovering. A Pulmuone official explained, "Due to COVID-19, sales in February and March were about half the usual level, but have been recovering since May, reaching about 80% of the pre-COVID-19 level."

SPC Samlip's rest area sales are also on the rise. They operate a total of nine rest areas. An SPC official said, "At Gapyeong Rest Area, which began operations last September, sales at both directions increased by 30% at the end of last month compared to the previous month," adding, "Sales at other rest areas also show a favorable trend, increasing by an average of 10% compared to the previous year."

Nobrand Burger store operated by Shinsegae Food inside Haengdamdo Rest Area

Since COVID-19, competition among food and dining companies for contactless services within rest areas has intensified. At Haengdamdo Rest Area, Nobrand Burger operated by Shinsegae Food recorded a daily hamburger sales volume of about 600 units from the 1st to the 10th of this month, a 25% increase compared to the same period last month. Its popularity is attributed to being a takeout-only store.

Pulmuone's 'Rest Area Camping Box' featured at select rest areas

Since last month, Pulmuone has been offering a rest area camping box pickup service using its products at major rest areas. The rest area camping box is filled with convenient meals for barbecue parties and breakfast substitutes, allowing easy cooking at vacation spots.

Genesis BBQ opened a specialized store this month at Giheung Rest Area on the Gyeongbu Expressway (Busan direction) applying the 'Grab and Go' system. Unlike traditional takeout where customers must wait for their food to be prepared, 'Grab and Go' features pre-prepared products displayed on shelves, allowing customers to immediately purchase and eat their desired menu items.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.