Exploratory Study on the Local Role of 'Michi-no-Eki (Roadside Stations)’: A Comparison of Highway Rest Facilities in Korea and Japan

Purpose: The researcher, with academic interest in the operation of 1,209 Michi-no-Eki facilities over 30 years, conducted an investigation into six Michi-no-Eki locations in the Kyushu region of Japan. The study focused extensively on exploring the actual role of Michi-no-Eki in the local context. Based on this, the researcher aims to examine the potential of Michi-no-Eki as a category within the realm of local tourism and regional revitalization platforms. Methods: The researcher analyzed the significant differences between highway rest areas in South Korea and Japan's Michi-no-eki by conducting on-site surveys, including data on Japanese Michi-no-eki, and interviewing stakeholders, planners, and tourists. Results: The differences between highway rest areas in South Korea and Japan's Michi-no-eki were identified. Michi-no-eki serves as a hub for local creation by utilizing local specialties and tourism resources to increase interaction among populations, fulfilling the role of tourism that satisfies both tourists and local residents. In other words, Michi-no-eki is perceived and utilized as a hub for regional revitalization and tourism, rather than merely as rest stops for transportation facilities, making significant contributions to local communities. Conclusion: Visiting Michi-no-eki leads tourists to engage in various services such as purchasing local specialties or obtaining tourism information, while serving local residents in providing public information and acting as local hub facilities. Michi-no-eki can be viewed as a form of sustainable tourism that satisfies both tourists and local residents. Such a platform would ultimately become the ultimate goal that open-style highway rest areas should aim for.