11 Exciting Activities in Koreatown, Atlanta: the Seoul of the South

Hotlanta has a lot going for it. It’s also home to the largest Korean population in the Southeast.

The Koreatown (or towns since there are four) in Georgia is actually a bit northeast of Atlanta.

Just follow the Buford Highway Corridor through Gwinnett County to Duluth and Suwanee to encounter a plethora of Korean shops, restaurants, and businesses.

Here are the top things to do in Koreatown, Atlanta.

Lingua Asia Atlanta the Seoul of the South

What to know

  • Atlanta’s Koreatown is mostly centered around the I-85 corridor, extending from Northeast Atlanta (Chamblee) along Buford Highway through Gwinnett County to Suwanee.
  • Like with most cities, there’s an “old Koreatown” near the urban center and newer ones in the surrounding suburbs.
  • Duluth, Suwanee, Doraville and Johns Creek have the four largest pockets of Korean businesses.
  • The Korean-American community is relatively new in Atlanta, forming in the late 80s and early 90s.
  • There are approximately 100,000 Koreans in the area.
  • Nearly half can be found in Gwinnett County.
  • There are four Korean-language television stations that broadcast in the Atlanta area.
  • Korean is the 3rd most commonly spoken language in Georgia.
  • Locals can get their daily news from the Atlanta ChoSun in Korean.

Where is Koreatown in Atlanta, Georgia?

koreatown georgia

From the Northeastern outskirts of Atlanta along Buford Highway all the way up to Suwanee, you can find pockets of Korean businesses.

What to do

Korean festivals, tours and cultural events

Atlanta Korean Festival

The annual Atlanta Korean Festival celebrates Korean and Korean American culture and heritage. It’s typically held in September at the Korean Community Center.

It offers traditional Korean music and dance performances, as well as contemporary K-Pop and Nanta-style comedy shows. There’s also martial arts demonstrations such as Taekwondo and a Ssireum (Korean wrestling) tournament.

One of the highlights is the wide range of authentic Korean cuisine. You can sample dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi, as well as other traditional Korean treats.

The Atlanta Korean Festival is a family-friendly event that’s open to everyone. Best of all, admission is free!

5900 Brook Hollow Pkwy, Norcross, GA 30071, USA

Seoul of the South Food Tour

If you prefer sharing your dining experience with a big group, check out the Seoul of the South Tour.

You’ll get to taste a variety of traditional Korean dishes and learn about the culture in Gwinnett.

K-pop Concerts

Many of the major K-pop tours in the US go through Atlanta, so keep your eyes peeled.

Korean cultural organizations

Korean Cultural Center

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) was founded in 2003 to promote, you guessed it, Korean culture in the United States through education and performing arts.

They’re especially big on Samulnori (traditional Korean percussion) and even organized 100 performers to put on a show at Mets Korean Night in New York.

3483 Satellite Blvd. Ste 211-S Duluth, GA30096

The Korean American Association of Greater Atlanta

One of the oldest Korean American groups in the region. They organize the annual Atlanta Korean Festival. I would recommend speaking Korean if you plan on joining.

5900 Brook Hollow Pkwy, Norcross, GA 30071

Korean monuments

There’s a small Korean War Veterans Memorial in Atlanta, Georgia. The memorial honors the sacrifice of the 740 Georgian residents who died serving in the Korean War.

Floyd Veterans Memorial Building
2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta, GA 30334-5100

Parks

Piedmont Park is 1 mile northeast of downtown at the entrance to the road through Koreatown.

It’s one of Atlanta’s most popular urban parks and covers approximately 189 acres. It features a wide variety of recreational activities and attractions including walking and biking trails, sports fields and courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, a dog park, a lake and beautiful gardens and natural areas.

1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States

If want to get completely out in nature, head up the I-75 N to Tennessee where you can enjoy Abrams Falls Trail, the most underrated path in the Smoky Mountains!

Billiards

Red Fox Billiards Club is considered to have the best tables in town.

6035 Peachtree Rd ste a-215, Doraville, GA 30360, United States

Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a fun way to learn fast, powerful kicks and other cool stuff like throws and joint locks. There are many choices in the region, but you can’t go wrong with Karnath’s TaeKwonDo Academy.

1175 Buford Hwy NE #119, Suwanee, GA 30024, United States

Hair salons

There are many choices when it comes to getting haircuts, color and perms Korean style.

SM HAIR STUDIO SALON is worth a look. It’s said that the owner can tell what hairstyle fits the shape of your face (an underrated skill).

3585 Peachtree Industrial Blvd #168, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

Korean spa

Jeju Spa is an institution in Georgia. It features traditional Korean baths with heated pools, saunas, a fitness room, plus a nail salon and restaurant.

3555 Gwinnett Pl Dr NW, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

Spa Land and Sauna is the up-and-coming Korean spa in the area that’s newer and a little more upscale.

2645 N Berkeley Lake Rd NW Building C, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

What to eat

Korean BBQ

9292 Korean BBQ is one of the most popular and consistent Korean BBQ places in the area. It features trendy decorations, charcoal grills, and an open kitchen.

3360 Satellite Blvd #8, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

Insider Tip: Koreans from the motherland don’t really believe in food allergies, so be sure to mention anything you can’t eat to your server. They might ignore you, but it’s worth a try.

Won Kitchen (Lets Bap)

Great for when you’re in the mood for something lighter, but still delicious.

5460 Peachtree Blvd b, Chamblee, GA 30341, United States

White Windmill Bakery and Cafe

Korean bakeries just hit different. White Windmill is an independently-owned bakery chain with a few locations around Gwinnett County.

5881 Buford Hwy NE, Doraville, GA 30340, United States

3230 Steve Reynolds Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

What to buy

Korean red ginseng

It wouldn’t be an official Koreatown without a Red Ginseng shop!

ChengKwanJang is the biggest chain straight from the motherland where you can get that sweet energy boost.

2550 Pleasant Hill Rd #107, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

Korean groceries

H-Mart may have conquered the states, but be sure to check out some other chains like MegaMart and Zion Market as well as Assi Plaza. You never know what you might find.

More about Korean grocery stores

Where to stay

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta NE

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta NE

If you’re looking for a well-managed budget option right smack in the middle of Gwinnet Place, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta NE is your best bet.

3530 Breckinridge Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Duluth Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Duluth Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Atlanta Duluth Downtown is a mouthful to say, but one of the better hotels in the area. It’s centrally-located in a quiet neighborhood, so you get easy access to all the bustling joints in Koreatown, while getting a good night’s sleep.

It also has charming views of Duluth City Hall and the surrounding parks.

3141 Hill St NW, Duluth, GA 30096, United States

Do I need to tip here?

While tipping isn’t a thing in South Korea, you should follow local customs at Koreatown in Atlanta.

What are some cool things I can do in Koreatown?

Here are a few ideas:

Did we miss anything?

Let us know your thoughts about Koreatown in Atlanta!

7 thoughts on “11 Exciting Activities in Koreatown, Atlanta: the Seoul of the South”

  1. Hi,

    I just moved to Atlanta and I’m looking for a place to fix my nails. Could you provide a few nail salon in Atlanta for me to try?

    Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Love the guide! So helpful. The website for the Atlanta Korean Festival isn’t working. Are they still holding it every year?

    Reply

Leave a Comment