Pulmuone Food & Culture Wins Bid for 'Gimje Service Area' on Saemangeum~Jeonju Expressway

[Financial News] Pulmuone Food & Culture announced on the 14th that it has been finally selected as the operator of the 'Gimje Service Area' on the Saemangeum~Jeonju Expressway, which is scheduled to open within the year by Korea Expressway Corporation.
Gimje Service Area will be constructed with a two-story structure in the Saemangeum direction (2475㎡) and Jeonju direction (2444㎡), and each service area will operate a gas station, totaling 4 locations (2 service areas, 2 gas stations). The operation contract period is 5 years, with the possibility of extension up to 10 years based on performance.
In the Jeonju direction, there will be a restaurant, kitchen, instant store, convenience store, restroom, and nursing room. In the Saemangeum direction, there will be an instant store, external cafe, restroom, convenience store, nursing room, and a lounge for truck drivers. On the second floor, a view-specialized space called 'Lake Seed' will also be provided.
Pulmuone Food & Culture is currently in the planning stage for interior and facility design. They are sequentially proceeding with organizational structuring and operational system establishment, aiming for opening within the year.
Pulmuone Food & Culture plans to develop Gimje Service Area as a customer-centered premium complex cultural space. Facilities reflecting various customer needs, such as electric vehicle charging infrastructure, eco-friendly interiors, pet-friendly spaces, and cultural and artistic fusion content, will be introduced.
Additionally, based on synergy with the existing Iseo, Osu, and Hampyeong service areas, they plan to enhance menus and content that reflect the characteristics and customer demands of the Honam region, and present a service area model that coexists with the local community through stable initial operations.
Lee Dong-hoon, CEO of Pulmuone Food & Culture, said, "We will continue to offer differentiated services centered on customers based on our experience in operating highway service areas nationwide and our know-how as a food service specialist company," adding, "We will present a new standard for highway service areas while coexisting with the local community."
Meanwhile, Pulmuone Food & Culture operates 27 major highway service areas nationwide.

ssuccu@fnnews.com Kim Seo-yeon Reporter