South Korea is overhauling highway rest-stop operations to cut coffee prices by more than half through direct contracts between the Korea Expressway Corporation and tenant businesses. The corporation has begun accepting applications for 10 operating rights at eight rest stops, replacing intermediary arrangements that charge about 33% of sales with commissions of 8–9%, excluding management fees. The government aims to pass the savings to customers through coffee priced at 2,000 won or less, buy-one-get-one convenience-store promotions, mobile-carrier discounts and loyalty points. The pilot covers restaurants, snack outlets, cafes and convenience stores, with candidates assessed on food quality, price competitiveness and operating capability. Selection is due in early December, and services are scheduled to begin around next year’s Lunar New Year after renovations. The plan also includes local-partnership space at the Yeoju rest stop and tighter safeguards against favoritism involving former and current Korea Expressway Corporation employees. Companies formed by groups of retirees will lose 25 evaluation points, while certain former employees, related parties and the retirees’ association Doseonghoe will be barred from new or existing operations under planned incorporation changes.