Tag Archive for: korean food

LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN FOR EXPLORE GWINNETT’S SUMMER & FALL SEOUL OF THE SOUTH KOREAN FOOD TOURS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/25/26

Guided Culinary Tours Offer Special Access to Gwinnett County’s

Acclaimed Korean Dining Scene

Explore Gwinnett, the destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County, Ga, today announced that limited tickets remain for select summer and fall dates of its popular Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tours. Led by South Korea native and Gwinnett County resident Sarah Park, the popular immersive tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the county’s thriving Korean American community through visits to its locally-owned businesses.

“Our Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tours continue to be one of Gwinnett County’s most sought-after experiences,” said Kate Conway, marketing communications coordinator at Explore Gwinnett. “With the addition of Thursday tours, we’re excited to offer locals and visitors even more opportunities to see firsthand why Gwinnett has been coined the ‘Seoul of the South™.’ Whether joining us for a weeknight out or a weekend experience, both options offer an authentic look at our vibrant Korean community.”

New this year, select Thursday evenings join the Saturday morning tours from July through September. Guests embark on an immersive culinary adventure showcasing Korean-owned restaurants, bakeries and specialty businesses across Gwinnett County. Thursday tours provide a unique weeknight outing, perfect for after-work plans or a casual night out. Each tour includes meals at multiple stops, transportation and insider perspectives from Park, whose personal connection to both South Korea and Gwinnett County offers attendees a deeper understanding of the destination’s unique cultural landscape.

Home to the largest Korean American population in the Southeast and more than 1,000 Korean-owned businesses, Gwinnett County has emerged as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic Korean food and cultural experiences. The Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tours provide exclusive access to some of the community’s most beloved establishments while offering insight into the traditions and personal stories behind them.

“Food is one of the most meaningful ways to connect with a new culture,” said Park. “Whether you’re trying Korean cuisine for the first time or you’re already a fan, every stop offers an opportunity to discover something new, meet passionate, local Korean business owners and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity within our community.”

Since launching in 2015, the Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tours have become one of Explore Gwinnett’s signature experiences, attracting visitors from across the region and earning recognition for highlighting the destination’s diverse culinary landscape. The experience inspired Explore Gwinnett’s Seoul of the South™ Pass, a free mobile passport that encourages visitors to continue exploring 30 Korean-owned restaurants, bakeries, spas, coffee shops, karaoke spots and more throughout the county.

Upcoming tour dates are expected to sell out and advance reservations are required. To view available dates and reserve tickets, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Seoul-of-the-South-Food-Tour.

For details on Explore Gwinnett, visit ExploreGwinnett.org. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook.  

EXPLORE GWINNETT LAUNCHES SEOUL OF THE SOUTH PASS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/2/25

Free Mobile Passport Offers Self-Guided Korean Food Tour Through Gwinnett County, Home to the Largest Korean Population in the Southern U.S.

Explore Gwinnett, the destination marketing organization for Gwinnett County, Ga, has launched its new Seoul of the South™ Pass. Serving as a gateway to an immersive dining experience, this free mobile pass features a thoughtfully curated list of authentic restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries and spas across the county. Users who sign up online will have the opportunity to check in at participating locations to earn points, which can be redeemed for Seoul of the South-themed prizes.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Seoul of the South™ experience to more people through this digital pass,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett. “Gwinnett County boasts the largest Korean population in the South, and this pass offers an engaging, self-guided way for both visitors and locals to explore the cultural richness and authentic experiences that define our community.”

Seoul of the South™ Korean Food Tour is an annual program offered by Explore Gwinnett that invites both locals and visitors to join Sarah Park on a guided Korean dining experience across the county. The tour began 10 years ago and has consistently sold out, inspiring the Explore Gwinnett team to create the Seoul of the South™Pass. This digital pass extends Sarah Park’s expert insights, allowing users to explore Gwinnett’s renowned Korean dining scene at their own pace.

Powered by the technology company, Bandwango, the free digital passport features 32 Korean-owned destinations throughout Gwinnett County. Once registered, users can check in at participating locations using their mobile device to earn points, which can be redeemed for the following prizes:

·       4 points: Seoul of the South™ sticker pack and entry into a quarterly drawing for a $50 SpaLand gift card (Winners will be contacted via email and must respond within 72 hours to claim the gift card.)

·       8 points: Reusable Seoul of the South™ chopsticks and straw

·       12 points: Toiletry bag filled with K-beauty essentials

·       16 points: Seoul of the South™ T-shirt (Sizing is limited and subject to availability. Wait times may apply.)

·       20 points: Kimchi-making kit

Participants have 365 days from their first check-in to earn and redeem points, after which the pass will reset. Prizes may be picked up Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Explore Gwinnett office, located at 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 200, Duluth, GA 30097. For pickups outside regular hours, email kami@exploregwinnett.org to make arrangements.

Those who wish to participate can sign up at https://www.exploregwinnett.org/food-drink/seoul-of-the-south-pass/ by providing their name, email address and mobile phone number. A link is then sent to their phone, which opens the passport and prompts users to add the icon to their home screen for easy access at any time.

For details on Explore Gwinnett, visit ExploreGwinnett.org. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook.