Seoul of the South Tour - Food Treasures in Gwinnett!


Last week, I had the pleasure of joining a fantastic "Seoul of the South" food tour hosted by Explore Gwinnett. It was the perfect opportunity to explore some of the delicious Korean restaurants in Gwinnett County. I've only tried Korean food a few times, and having a Korean food guide {thank you 고맙습니다 Sarah....you are a shiny star!} to lead the way made it extra special.



First off, I've got to give props to the ladies of Explore Gwinnett... Sarah, Victoria, and Jessica {pictured above}. From the moment I arrived, they were the best. So welcoming and friendly, organized, and happy to answer any and all questions. They even gave each of us a swag bag with Korean treats and lots of information on the Gwinnett restaurant scene. 
I do hope they continue to offer these tours, so more people can meet them and experience their sweet, Southern hospitality.

With over 100,000 Koreans living in Georgia, it's no wonder we have a plethora of excellent restaurants featuring Korean cuisine.  On our tour, we visited four spots: 
  • Harue Food & Cafe {Korean Snacks and Meals} - Here we sampled items like Gim Bap {rice and other ingredients rolled in seaweed and served in bite size slices} and Tteokbokki {made with soft rice cake, fish cake, sweet red chili paste, gochujang}.
  • The Stone Grill - This is a relative newcomer with traditional BBQ. Really enjoyed the array of BBQ meats cooked right in the center of your table. The Jjim Man du steamed dumplings were tasty and the Spicy Baby Back ribs with cheese were especially good.
     
  • Tree Story{Korean bakery} - I'm visited several Korean bakeries around town and have sampled many treats, and this place is so cute! I went right for my favorite red bean bun. A nice surprise was the Yujacha, a Korean tea made from yuzu fruit - so refreshing. Their bakery case was filled with all sorts of mouth-watering treats.
  • Breakers Korean BBQ & Grill {Korean BBQ} - This is the most well-known spot, sleek and modern. Brisket, pork belly, pork ribs, chicken, bulgogi....take your pick.
Breakers Korean BBQ and Grill



Eating Korean food is a social experience. Great for large groups and for sharing family-style {as you'll see in my pictures}.
While Korean BBQ meats are very popular along with Korean fried chicken, the cuisine is very vegetable-heavy as well, emphasizing healthy fermented foods like kim chi, radish, and chili/soy/bean pastes. Seafood, soups, stews, noodles, and rice also take their place at the table.

I do eat meat and enjoyed the BBQ items from our tour, but interestingly what I loved the best were the little side dishes that come out, also known as "banchan". I couldn't get enough of the daikon....so delicious and refreshing.


Breakers Korean BBQ & Grill
Breakers Korean BBQ & Grill
Harue Food and Cafe
The Stone Grill


Tree Story Bakery
Tree Story Bakery
Tree Story Bakery

Tree Story Bakery

With so many places to explore in Gwinnett's "Seoul of the South" food landscape, aren't you excited?? I can't wait to take my husband and friends back to visit these restaurants and try some new ones too.
A big thank you to all the restaurants that welcomed us on the tour. 
You truly outdid yourselves hosting our group and showcasing your delicious menus and specialties. 
Do yourself a favor.....get out to Duluth soon and experience your own Seoul of the South tour. 
It's delicious! 맛있어요

P. S.- Did I tell you that we took a trolley around town on our tour. So fun!!

*Disclaimer: Although the tour and meals were complimentary, all the opinions and food photos are uniquely mine.

*To learn more about dining and local fun in Gwinnett, visit Explore Gwinnett

Comments

  1. Wow, I had no idea anything like this was out there---headed to check out their site right NOW!

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  2. You have an eye for photography! Love your pics!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Randy! I really enjoy the photography aspect. And well, the eating and writing.

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  3. That? All that? All that looks amazing and very sorry I missed it! Great pics of the dishes lady! You really know how to make a gal hungry!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Linda! Yes all that. It was def one of those eyes-bigger-than-my-stomach kind of days! Next time you gotta be on that Seoul train with me!

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