Programmatic Differentiation and Evolution of Roadside Infrastructure - A Case Study of Michi-no-Eki in Japan and Highway Service Areas in South Korea -

This study examines the developmental stages and programmatic differentiation of Michi-no-Eki (roadside stations) in Japan and compares them with highway service areas in South Korea, in order to explore the public potential and regional linkages of roadside infrastructure. Based on literature reviews and policy document analysis, the research also conducted on-site surveys of approximately 30 Michi-no-Eki facilities in the Kyushu region to investigate program types and their connection to local resources. The findings reveal that Michi-no-Eki have evolved from simple rest facilities at the time of institutional introduction into multi-layered platforms encompassing disaster prevention, welfare, tourism, cultural activities, and digital transformation. In particular, program differentiation combined with local resources has enabled each Michi-no-Eki to establish a distinctive regional identity. In contrast, Korean highway service areas have shown a development trend centered on commerce and traffic convenience, with limitations in integrating locality and publicness. This study highlights the potential of roadside infrastructure to develop into complex platforms that encompass regional economies and societies beyond basic transport functions, and it provides implications for strengthening publicness and regional connectivity in Korean roadside infrastructure.