A flight to South Korea takes about 16 hours. But you only have to drive four hours to have an unusually authentic Korean experience in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
The Seoul of the South Food Tour with host Sarah Park provides an introduction to Korean food and lifestyle without requiring the long flight to Asia. The four-hour group tour takes you to several of the area's restaurants and bakeries. As Gwinnett County is home to the largest Korean population in the Southern U.S, it's no surprise that there are dozens of restaurants that encapsulate Korea's rich culinary culture. Below are three highly recommended spots to set your Seoul food taste buds ablaze.
For more traditional Korean fare, Jang Su Jang, is the place to go. Notable menu items include Haemul Pajeon, also known as the seafood pancake, the Dotoleemool Moochim, acorn jelly and veggies, and Bossam Jungsik, steamed pork slices with cabbage. Jang Su Jang means "this meeting place" so it's only fitting to grab a bite with a friend here. Jang-su-jang-duluth.res-menu.com
Much like the South, Korea loves their barbeque. Stop at Honey Pig, where you will enjoy an authentic Korean BBQ experience featuring pork belly, brisket, chicken bulgogi, steamed egg, rice, corn cheese and more. HoneyPigUSA.com
If you've left any room in your stomach for more, venture over to Café Mixx for a variety of Korean comfort foods like chicken katsu, SoDuk, and rice cake sausage skewers. But save space for their specialty drinks and the Korean version of tiramisu. CafeMixxUSA.com
Want to dodge the tourist crowds in Nashville? Gwinnett County offers an “escape” for local music lovers, not just Seoul food lovers.
Eddie Owens Presents is a welcoming space for performing songwriters and their fans located in Duluth at Red Clay, a 260-seat listening room. EddieOwenPresents.com
Everett’s Music Barn is a historic bluegrass venue that showcases some of the best pickers in the business among national touring bands to talented local bands. EverettsMusicBarn.net