Hugis Hall — Review by Korean Englishman
Seoul, South Korea — Korean
The British chefs visit Hugis Hall, a massive Korean service station that far exceeds typical UK highway stops. They sample an incredible array of fresh foods including grilled squid, Korean corn, dried baby crabs, fried chicken, and various pastries, discovering that Korean service stations are destination-worthy rather than mere pit stops.
What was great: Extensive variety of food options, quality snacks like cornbread and walnut bread, grilled squid, Korean corn, dried baby crabs, cheesy fried chicken, red bean cream-filled pastries, and the bean powder dessert with shaved ice. The overall experience was described as having much more joy and excitement than typical UK service stations.
What could improve: Some uncertainty about the silk worm snack - one reviewer wasn't a fan of the spicy aftertaste and juicy texture, though this was a matter of personal preference rather than quality.
The Dishes
Upon arriving at Hugis Hall, the reviewers discovered an overwhelming selection of food options unlike anything available in UK service stations. They tried cornbread, walnut bread snacks, and grilled dapoki, a rice cake that was crispy on the outside yet soft and chewy in the middle. The silk worm snack proved divisive, with one reviewer finding the spicy aftertaste and burst-in-mouth texture off-putting, though they appreciated the adventurous option. The hot bar offerings included both bland and spicy varieties, with the grilled squid standing out as surprisingly delicious despite its jerky-like texture. Korean corn provided an interesting experience with its steamed, moist quality. Dried baby crabs offered a popcorn-like crunchiness with subtle sweetness and salt. Among the standout items were cheesy fried chicken and pastries filled with red bean cream. A traditional Korean iced coffee mixed with toasted bean and mixed grain powder provided an acquired taste experience. For dessert, patbingsu served with bean powder, sweet red bean, chewy sticky rice, and milky shaved ice proved to be highlight, described as happy food with perfect balance of sweetness and multiple textures.
The Experience
The atmosphere at Hugis Hall was immediately striking - a massive, bustling facility that felt more like a fair or shopping center than a typical service station. The reviewers were genuinely shocked by the scale, selection, and energy compared to their UK expectations. The place offered not just food but insurance services and multiple shopping options, creating an experience that was entertainment-focused and joyful rather than purely transactional.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices weren't mentioned in the transcript, the overall sentiment suggested exceptional value for money given the variety and quality of items available at a service station, particularly when compared to UK service station offerings.
Notable Moments
So much more joy than you would ever see in a UK service station. No one is happy in a UK service station.
It felt more like the equivalent of like a fair. Like it was not at all what I would have expected from a service station.
Oh, it's not aggressively sweet... that is kind of stereotypically one of like the top compliments Koreans will give a dessert.
The Verdict
Hugis Hall represents a revelation for the British chefs - a service station worthy of a dedicated stop on any road trip. The combination of quality ingredients, diverse options, and genuine care in preparation make it far more than a place to grab snacks between destinations. This is a destination in itself, ideal for anyone traveling in Korea who wants to experience authentic local snacks and discover why Koreans make special stops at service stations during road trips. The experience proved so worthwhile that one reviewer said they would go on a road trip specifically to visit this service station.