This 50,000 Square Foot Asian Market In Duluth Georgia Feels Like Traveling Across The Pacific

Walking through the doors of GW Marketplace in Duluth feels less like a shopping trip and more like an international adventure. In an instant, you are surrounded by the sights, sounds, and aromas of cities like Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok, all without leaving suburban Georgia. Spanning an impressive 50,000 square feet, this massive market is packed with authentic Asian groceries, specialty ingredients, and ready to eat foods that invite curiosity at every turn.

Aisles overflow with items you will not find in typical supermarkets, making each visit feel like a discovery. Shoppers come here for fresh produce, high quality meats, and hard to find spices, while others simply enjoy exploring and sampling new flavors. The energy inside is lively and welcoming, whether you know exactly what you are looking for or are browsing for inspiration.

GW Marketplace offers more than shopping. It delivers a cultural experience that keeps people coming back again and again.

1. Authentic Korean Grocery Selection

Finding genuine Korean ingredients used to mean driving to Atlanta or ordering online. Now you can grab everything from gochugaru to doenjang right here at 2300 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096. The shelves overflow with imported sauces, noodles, and snacks you won’t find at regular supermarkets.

I love browsing the kimchi section, which features at least twenty different varieties. You’ll discover traditional napa cabbage kimchi alongside creative versions made with radish, cucumber, and even green onions. Each jar promises authentic fermented flavors that transport your taste buds straight to Korea.

The frozen section stocks Korean dumplings, fish cakes, and rice cakes perfect for quick meals. Shoppers appreciate the clearly labeled products with both Korean and English descriptions. Staff members happily explain unfamiliar items and suggest preparation methods, making your shopping experience educational and enjoyable.

2. Fresh Seafood Counter Excellence

Seafood lovers rejoice when they discover the massive fish counter here. Live tanks bubble with fish, crabs, and lobsters waiting to become your dinner.

The selection changes daily based on fresh arrivals from both coasts. You might find whole red snapper, mackerel, squid, octopus, and specialty items like sea cucumber. Friendly fishmongers clean and prepare your selections exactly how you want them, saving you time and mess at home.

I always ask for recommendations when trying something new. The staff knows which fish works best for steaming, grilling, or making sashimi. Their expertise helps you choose the freshest options and avoid waste, especially important when buying whole fish or unfamiliar seafood.

3. Japanese Snack Wonderland

Entire aisles dedicated to Japanese snacks make this market a candy lover’s paradise. Bright packaging catches your eye from every angle, featuring characters and flavors you’ve never imagined. The variety goes far beyond what typical stores offer in their international sections.

Kit Kat fans go wild over the exclusive flavors available here. You’ll find matcha, strawberry cheesecake, sake, and seasonal varieties that never make it to regular American stores. Pocky sticks come in dozens of flavors, from classic chocolate to exotic options like green tea and almond crush.

My personal favorites include the crispy rice crackers wrapped in seaweed and the soft mochi filled with ice cream. Kids adore the DIY candy kits that let them create their own gummy candies or miniature meals. These treats make perfect gifts for friends who appreciate unique international snacks and Japanese pop culture.

4. Sprawling Produce Department

Vegetables you’ve only seen in restaurant dishes suddenly become accessible here. Mountains of fresh bok choy, gai lan, and napa cabbage greet you as you enter the produce section. The quality rivals farmers markets, with crisp greens and firm vegetables restocked throughout the day.

Discovering unusual items makes shopping here an adventure. You’ll encounter dragon fruit, lychee, longan, and rambutan depending on the season. Giant daikon radishes, lotus root, and various mushroom varieties line the shelves alongside familiar favorites like cilantro and green onions.

Prices remain surprisingly affordable considering the specialty nature of these items. I stock up on Thai basil, Korean perilla leaves, and fresh turmeric root for a fraction of what specialty stores charge. The turnover stays high, ensuring everything maintains peak freshness and flavor for your cooking projects.

5. Authentic Food Court Experience

Hunger strikes differently when amazing aromas fill the air around you. Several vendors operate side by side, each specializing in different regional cuisines and cooking styles.

You can sample Korean bibimbap, Vietnamese pho, Chinese dumplings, and Japanese ramen all in one visit. The cooks prepare everything fresh to order using ingredients from the market itself. Watching them work provides entertainment while you wait for your steaming bowl or sizzling plate.

Prices stay incredibly reasonable compared to sit-down restaurants. Most meals cost less than ten dollars and come in generous portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites. I recommend trying something unfamiliar each visit to expand your culinary horizons and discover new favorite dishes.

6. Extensive Tea Selection

Tea enthusiasts could spend hours exploring the beverage aisles here. Hundreds of varieties from China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan line the shelves in beautiful tins and packages. The selection includes everything from everyday green teas to precious oolongs and aged pu-erhs.

Learning about different tea types becomes easy with helpful labels and knowledgeable staff. You’ll find jasmine pearls that unfurl in hot water, roasted barley tea perfect for summer, and ceremonial grade matcha for traditional preparation. Herbal blends offer health benefits alongside delicious flavors.

I appreciate the range of price points available for every budget. Beginners can start with affordable options while serious collectors hunt for rare varieties. The store also stocks beautiful teapots, cups, and brewing accessories to enhance your tea-drinking experience at home.

7. Korean Beauty Products Galore

K-beauty fans celebrate when they discover the cosmetics section here. Popular Korean skincare brands fill multiple aisles with their innovative products and cute packaging. You’ll find everything needed for the famous ten-step Korean skincare routine without ordering online.

Sheet masks come in every variety imaginable, from snail mucin to volcanic ash. Cleansing oils, essences, serums, and moisturizers promise glowing skin using unique Asian ingredients. The prices beat department stores significantly, letting you experiment with different products affordably.

My friends always request specific items when I visit. The selection includes makeup products like cushion compacts, lip tints, and eyebrow pencils that have taken social media by storm. Staff can recommend products for different skin types and concerns, making your beauty shopping experience both fun and productive.

8. Impressive Instant Noodle Aisle

Ramen lovers face an overwhelming number of choices in the noodle section. Hundreds of varieties from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and beyond create a rainbow of packaging colors. The selection goes way beyond the basic flavors found in regular grocery stores.

Korean fire noodles challenge spice enthusiasts with their intense heat levels. Japanese tonkotsu and miso varieties promise restaurant-quality flavor in convenient packages. Thai tom yum and Malaysian laksa options transport your taste buds across Southeast Asia with authentic seasonings.

I love trying limited edition flavors that rotate seasonally. The store stocks both individual packets and bulk boxes for serious noodle fans. You’ll also find fresh refrigerated noodles, dried varieties for soups, and specialty options like glass noodles and rice noodles for different cooking applications.

9. Traditional Kitchen Tools Section

Cooking authentic Asian food requires the right equipment and tools. This market stocks everything from basic chopsticks to specialized bamboo steamers and stone bowls. The housewares section helps you outfit your kitchen for preparing any Asian cuisine properly.

Rice cookers range from simple models to high-tech versions with multiple settings. You’ll find carbon steel woks, clay pots for hot pot meals, and traditional stone bowls for bibimbap. Sharp knives, mandoline slicers, and sushi-making kits enable you to recreate restaurant dishes successfully.

Prices vary to accommodate different budgets and cooking ambitions. Beginners can start with affordable basics while serious home cooks invest in premium items. I recommend asking staff for advice on which tools work best for specific dishes you want to master at home.

10. Frozen Dumpling Paradise

Freezers packed with dumplings offer quick meal solutions for busy weeknights. The variety includes Chinese pot stickers, Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, and soup dumplings. Each package contains authentic flavors that taste homemade rather than mass-produced.

Reading the labels reveals interesting filling combinations beyond basic pork and vegetable. You’ll discover shrimp and chive, kimchi and pork, chicken and cilantro, and even sweet options for dessert. The cooking instructions make preparation foolproof whether you steam, pan-fry, or boil them.

My freezer always contains several varieties for emergency dinners. Kids enjoy helping to cook and eat these fun finger foods. Serving them with the authentic dipping sauces sold nearby creates a restaurant-quality experience at home for a fraction of the cost.

11. Asian Bakery Delights

Fresh-baked goods emerge from the bakery throughout the day, filling the air with irresistible aromas. Soft, pillowy buns stuffed with sweet or savory fillings line the display cases. The selection changes daily, encouraging repeat visits to try everything available.

Popular items include red bean paste buns, custard-filled pastries, and flaky egg tarts. Savory options feature curry, pork, or vegetable fillings wrapped in tender dough. The textures differ completely from Western bakery items, offering unique experiences for your palate.

I grab a few treats every visit to enjoy with afternoon tea. The prices allow you to sample multiple varieties without breaking your budget. Everything tastes best the same day, though items keep well for a day or two when stored properly at home.

12. Specialty Rice Varieties

Rice forms the foundation of most Asian meals, and quality matters tremendously. This market dedicates significant space to rice varieties from different countries and regions. The selection includes short grain, medium grain, long grain, sticky rice, and specialty types for specific dishes.

Japanese sushi rice differs from Korean short grain, which varies from Thai jasmine rice. Each type cooks differently and pairs best with certain foods. Staff can explain which rice works for your favorite dishes and how to prepare it perfectly.

Buying larger bags saves money compared to small packages at regular stores. I purchase twenty-pound bags that last months and maintain freshness when stored properly. The quality exceeds standard supermarket rice, making your home-cooked meals taste more authentic and delicious.

13. Bubble Tea Supplies Heaven

Making bubble tea at home becomes possible with the right supplies and ingredients. The market stocks tapioca pearls in multiple sizes and colors, along with flavored syrups and powdered mixes. You’ll find everything needed to recreate your favorite boba shop drinks.

Wide straws designed specifically for bubble tea come in reusable and disposable varieties. Specialty teas, creamers, and sweeteners let you customize drinks exactly to your preferences. Instructions on packages guide beginners through the cooking and preparation process successfully.

My teenagers love experimenting with different flavor combinations and toppings. Creating drinks at home costs significantly less than buying them daily at shops. You can adjust sweetness levels and try creative additions like fruit jellies, pudding, or popping boba for fun variations.

14. Premium Soy Sauce Collection

Soy sauce quality varies dramatically between brands and production methods. The condiment section here showcases premium options from Japan, Korea, and China that elevate your cooking. You’ll discover traditionally brewed varieties aged for months or years, producing complex flavors.

Japanese shoyu differs from Chinese light and dark soy sauces in taste and application. Korean ganjang brings its own unique characteristics to dishes. The store also stocks specialty versions like mushroom soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and gluten-free tamari.

I keep several types in my pantry for different cooking needs. Starting with a good all-purpose variety makes sense before exploring specialty options. Staff recommendations help you choose based on whether you’re making sushi, stir-fry, marinades, or dipping sauces for your meals.

15. Cultural Shopping Experience

Shopping here feels like visiting a market in Asia itself. Signs display both English and Asian languages, creating an immersive cultural experience. You’ll hear different languages spoken around you and see families shopping for ingredients from their home countries.

The atmosphere differs completely from typical American supermarkets. People take time browsing, comparing products, and discussing cooking methods with fellow shoppers. This community feeling makes grocery shopping enjoyable rather than just another chore to complete quickly.

I always learn something new during each visit, whether discovering an unfamiliar ingredient or chatting with other customers. The market serves as a cultural bridge, introducing people to Asian foods and traditions. Everyone from curious beginners to experienced cooks finds value in this unique shopping destination right here in Georgia.