The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has launched a comprehensive inspection of unfair practices at highway rest stops, sharply criticizing operational irregularities by Korea Expressway Corporation.
The ministry said on the 15th that Roads Bureau Director-General Kim Hyo-jung conducted on-site inspections starting from Hanam Dream Rest Stop through Giheung Rest Stop. The inspection follows Land Minister Kim Yun-duk's statement at Giheung Rest Stop on the 9th that the ministry would "expose every unfair practice and root them out completely." The full inspection began on the 13th.
Director-General Kim pointed out Korea Expressway Corporation's unfair operational practices at Hanam Dream Rest Stop and demanded immediate correction. In particular, she issued a stern warning after confirming that the corporation had contracted Hanam Dream gas station to the Korea Highway Rest Area Association in 2011 under a "temporary operation" arrangement and extended it for more than 15 years. She also demanded fundamental measures meeting public expectations regarding overall unfair practices, including the Gilsarang Scholarship Foundation case and alleged involvement of former corporation executives in profit-seeking activities.
At Giheung Rest Stop, she held a meeting with small business tenants to check on unpaid supplier payments and inspect for additional unfair practices. On the 16th, similar meetings and on-site investigations are scheduled at Manghyang and Chungju rest stops.
The ministry also provided information about the legal consultation center newly established within Korea Expressway Corporation and the "Rest Stop Unfair Practice Report Center" on the ministry's website.
"We are thoroughly investigating unfair practices including issues involving former executives and unpaid supplier payments," Director-General Kim said. "Based on reports received, we will root out all unfair practices in rest stop operations."
