Seoul of the South Food Tour
From traditional Korean restaurants and markets to spas and karaoke, there's not much you can experience in Korea that you can't also do in Gwinnett. Through our immersive Seoul of the South™ Korean restaurant tour, you'll learn all about the rise of this unique (and delicious) culture in Gwinnett.
The Seoul of the South™ Korean restaurant tour takes place at four local restaurants and bakeries. Throughout the tour, you'll be given information about Korean culture in Gwinnett, as well as details about the food you try.
Upcoming Dates
All dates for 2020 are currently sold out. Stay tuned for 2021 tour dates.
Details
Each tour will begin at 11am and wrap at about 3pm. You must be at our departure location (see below) by 10:50am. The trolley will leave promptly at 11am. We are on a tight schedule and unable to wait for late comers.
Cost
The cost for a tour is $50 per person.* This includes transportation to each restaurant, a special swag bag, and food provided by restaurants at each stop.
*Includes non-alcoholic beverages only.
Locations & Transportation
The tour will start at Explore Gwinnett's office—6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097. Free parking is available in front of the building.
From the starting point, transportation is provided for the tour. We will ride to each stop on a traditional trolley from Georgia Trolley Services.
Check out the FAQ section below for even more details.
Tour Leader
Sarah Park is native to Korea, and she loves food, so she's really the perfect tour guide. She works closely with Explore Gwinnett to bridge the gap between Gwinnett’s hospitality industry and the local Korean community.
Community involvement is something Sarah is very passionate about. She hosts a weekly segment on Atlanta Radio Korea informing the Korean community of local events and programs as well as new openings and hot spots for different types of cuisine.
Sarah serves on various advisory committees including the Korean Food Global Association Southeast and the Atlanta International Night Market. She also served with Atlanta Food Service Expo and has been recognized for her global food initiatives.
Currently a Gwinnett resident, Sarah is a true foodie who enjoys all types of cuisine and traveling to sample different tastes from regions around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Yes. Our website is set up to easily complete your registration and secure payment for any tour. We need to have a head count in order to work with our partners so they can make arrangements and prepare the food. These tours do sell out, so be sure to book yours soon.
Will I get a refund if I have to cancel?
We accept cancellations with full refund up to 72 hours in advance or three (3) business days. If cancellation should occur within 72 hours or three (3) business days prior to a tour, the ticket price is non-refundable. Please notify us in writing at victoria@exploregwinnett.org to process a cancellation.
Can I send someone else in my place if I cannot make it within the 72 hours?
Yes. Please notify us in writing at victoria@exploregwinnett.org to update your registration information. The resolution of financial arrangements must be made between yourselves.
Do I have to tip the staff at each stop?
No. All charges and gratuities for the activities and products at each tour stop are included with your ticket price.
What if a tour does not meet minimum enrollment?
We do have the right to cancel any tour that does not meet the minimum attendee requirements. You will be notified at least 48 hours in advance and offered the option of a refund or the ability to schedule another tour.
Are there age restrictions?
Due to the content & structure of the tour, small children may not find it very fun, tasty or entertaining. Therefore, we find it best that tours are best for 13+ years of age*. To taste alcoholic beverages, you must be 21 years of age. IDs will be checked upon arrival, as well as at any restaurant where a participant decides to order an alcoholic beverage at their own expense.
*Anyone under 18 must have a parent/guardian (18+) present.
*Anyone under 18 must have a parent/guardian (18+) present.
Are the tours handicap accessible?
The trolley we use for transportation between restaurants is not handicap accessible. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate guests in wheelchairs.
Can I bring my dog?
As much as we may LOVE dogs, they are NOT permitted on any food tour due to health department regulations. Plus, you will be eating all that is put in front of you so there will not be any table scraps left!
Are the tours appropriate for Gwinnett natives?
Absolutely! We are sure there will still be so much you will learn and experience on the tour.
What happens if it rains?
Tours will run rain or shine. However, we will not run the tour during severe weather. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you will be notified and will have the option of a refund or to schedule a future tour.
Does the tour end at the same place it began?
Yep. We'll start at 6500 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097. There's free parking, and you'll be dropped off here at the end of the tour.
Are there bathroom breaks?
Yes. Most of our stops will have facilities available for use.
What should I wear and bring? Are cameras allowed?
Please dress appropriately for the weather, and remember that all of our stops are indoors, but we will be walking to and from the trolley. Feel free to bring bottled water. Cameras are definitely allowed to capture your memories along the way.
Where do we go?
We visit a number of restaurants around Gwinnett. Each tour may have one or two different restaurants, but sometimes, they'll be the same as a previous tour.
Do we just ride around and taste food?
That is only ONE SMALL part of the experience! From location to location, your tour guide will provide you with information about the Korean culture. At most stops, you will interact with chefs and restaurant owners, have an opportunity to learn some new culinary tricks and trends and have fun with fellow “foodies."
Are tours only offered in English?
Yes. However, please contact us so that we can work with your interpreter or help you find one.
How much food is included? Do I need to eat before I come?
The amount of food at each restaurant varies, but you will certainly have a full meal by the end. We will be stopping at 4 places to taste sample portions of their awesome specialties. You SHOULD NOT EAT before you come and spoil your appetite!
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We do not recommend our tours for folks with shellfish or seafood allergies. Please contact victoria@exploregwinnett.org if you have specific questions before buying your tickets.