Did you know you can experience the flavors and culture of Korea just outside of Atlanta in Gwinnett County? Home to the largest Korean population in the South, Gwinnett has earned the nickname “Seoul of the South,” and one of the best ways to explore it is through the Seoul of the South Food Tour. I recently hopped aboard the trolley tour and spent the afternoon tasting incredible Korean dishes, learning about Korean traditions, and discovering just how diverse Korean cuisine really is.
From traditional dishes and Korean BBQ to sweet treats for dessert, every stop offered something new. Whether you’re a foodie, looking for a unique date idea, or simply want to experience another culture close to home, this tour is a fun way to discover a different side of Gwinnett County.
All Aboard the “Seoul Train”
The adventure begins at Explore Gwinnett’s office in Duluth, where guests board an enclosed trolley and set off to four different Korean restaurants and bakeries. Along the way, guide Sarah Park, a Korean native and passionate foodie, shares stories about Korean traditions, the history of Gwinnett’s Korean community, and the meaning behind many of the dishes that we tasted. Sarah was also a wealth of knowledge and gave insight into our questions from popular Korean skincare trends all the way to K-pop.
A Taste of Korea Without Leaving Georgia
Each stop introduces you to a different side of Korean cuisine. The tour included favorites like:
- Traditional Korean dishes, including seafood pancakes.
- Korean BBQ specialties.
- Korean street food and fried chicken.
- Sweet treats and traditional drinks featuring pastries, teas, and coffee.
The exact restaurant lineup may vary from tour to tour each year, which keeps each experience unique and lets you do the tour more than once to continue to explore more restaurants. For our tour specifically, we went to:
Chung Dam-2550 Pleasant Hill Rd #401 Duluth, GA
Honey Pig– 3473 Old Norcross Rd #304 Duluth, GA
Yogi Asian Fusion– 80 Horizon Dr, Ste 201, Suwanee, GA
Cafe Mixx– 2925 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA
I loved how every stop showcased a different style of Korean cuisine. We tasted everything from traditional comfort foods and sizzling Korean BBQ to crispy Korean fried chicken and delicious desserts. Some dishes were completely new to us, while others instantly became favorites that we’ll definitely be going back for. And trust me when I say come hungry. The portions are generous, and by the end of the tour, you’ll likely be taking leftovers home.
More Than Just Food
What makes the Seoul of the South Food Tour special is that it goes beyond eating. Throughout the experience, you learn about Korean customs, family traditions, and the incredible impact the Korean community has had on Gwinnett County. As someone who loves trying new foods and learning about different cultures, I appreciated how the tour encouraged us to step outside our comfort zones and experience something new together. It made for such a fun and memorable date, much more unique than the usual dinner and a movie.
Want to Explore on Your Own?
If you can’t make one of the guided tours or simply want to continue your culinary adventure, Explore Gwinnett has also created the free Seoul of the South Digital Pass. The mobile pass includes dozens of Korean-owned restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, and even spas throughout Gwinnett County. Visitors can check in at participating locations, earn points, and even redeem prizes along the way. The adventure doesn’t stop there! Check out their free H MART scavenger hunt for an added fun activity. It’s the perfect excuse to create your own self-guided Korean food adventure and discover new favorite spots at your own pace.
If you’re looking for a unique date idea, a fun outing with friends, or simply an opportunity to experience another culture through food, add this one to your bucket list.
Or, as we learned to say during our tour…
Kam-sa-hap-ni-da (Thank you), Explore Gwinnett, for an unforgettable afternoon.
Looking for more date ideas? Check out Sizzling Summer Dates Around Atlanta: With a Twist
