Five National Highways Including Gangjin, Jeonnam to Add 'Smart Bokhap Shelter'

Overview of Smart Complex Shelter.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Gang-wook] 'Smart Complex Rest Areas' will be established in five locations: Gangjin and Gurye in Jeonnam, Yeongdong in Chungbuk, Cheongyang in Chungnam, and Hwacheon in Gangwon.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 1st that it will newly create 'Smart Complex Rest Areas' along national roads in Jeonnam, Chungbuk, Chungnam, and Gangwon, featuring convenience facilities for drivers and local specialty product sales centers.

Smart Complex Rest Areas are integrated rest areas combining driver drowsiness rest stops with local promotion centers and specialty product sales facilities tailored by local governments, incorporating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), renewable energy, and eco-friendly vehicles.

Following five locations in 2020 and eight in 2021, five additional sites were selected this year. Five locations are scheduled to open by the end of this year, and eight more by the end of next year, with design and construction currently underway.

The five newly selected locations this year are Gangjin and Gurye counties in Jeonnam, Yeongdong county in Chungbuk, Cheongyang county in Chungnam, and Hwacheon county in Gangwon. Each site will receive a total project budget exceeding 3 billion KRW, combining 2 billion KRW in national funds and 1 billion KRW in local funds.

Last month, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport received project applications from relevant local land management offices, and this month, an evaluation committee composed of experts in architecture, roads, transportation, and regional policy comprehensively reviewed the candidate projects based on site conditions, demand, connectivity with nearby tourist resources, and funding plans, ultimately selecting five locations.

The Ministry plans to develop architectural designs that harmonize with the landscape and explore sustainable operation plans involving local residents. Around March to April, agreements will be signed with the respective local governments and road management offices, and design work will be actively pursued starting in May.

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