A Duluth Korean restaurant has landed an unsatisfactory "U" on its latest report card, scoring a 61 during a July 24, 2026 health inspection in Gwinnett County. Inspectors cited a string of problems, including walk-in cooler temperature issues, mold-like buildup in the ice machine, blocked handwashing sinks and equipment leaks. Corrective steps were ordered on site, and a follow-up visit was scheduled for July 31, 2026 to check whether the fixes actually stick.
Inspection findings
According to WhatNow, the Gwinnett-Newton-Rockdale Public Health inspection report shows the walk-in cooler was not holding food cold enough, with an ambient minimum temperature of 42°F. Several time-temperature-control foods were stored above the required 41°F mark and were discarded during the visit. Inspectors also found rice held under time control without any labeling to show how long it had been out, along with other prepped items that were tossed after sitting too long at unsafe temperatures. The inspection ultimately assigned a numeric score of 61, which is recorded as a failing U grade, and notes a follow-up inspection set for July 31, 2026.
Sanitation and equipment problems
The county inspection record, posted through the health department portal, details sanitation and equipment issues that went beyond temperature trouble, per GNR Health. The report notes a condenser on the walk-in cooler leaking water from the fan guard and a mold-like accumulation inside the ice machine. Inspectors also found that quaternary ammonium sanitizer test strips being used in the restaurant had expired in 2024.
Wiping cloths were spotted drying above salt boxes, and a large scoop had been left in a handwashing sink next to the cooking area. During the inspection, staff were directed to move the cloths, remove the scoop and stock that sink with paper towels. The handwashing sink next to the warewashing machine was another problem area, blocked by a table and a basket of bowls. Inspectors noted that it was not draining effectively and advised that it be repaired by July 31.
Packaging, labeling and chemical concerns
WhatNow reports that inspectors also flagged the use of reduced-oxygen packaging for blood sausages and pork without an approved variance or a hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plan in place. Reduced-oxygen packaged foods were missing proper date-and-time labels, another red flag for food safety regulators.
The inspection notes that food-contact surfaces and utensils needed to be cleaned to "sight and touch," and sanitizer concentrations were adjusted on site. The report also states that an additional complete inspection will be scheduled within 12 months.
What the grade means
Under Georgia's food-service grading system, scores of 90 to 100 earn an A, 80 to 89 a B, 70 to 79 a C and 69 or below a U. That last category is where no restaurant wants to land, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health. The agency notes that facilities that remain at a U can be asked to close or have permits suspended if core violations are not corrected within the timelines set by health officials. Any establishment that scores a C or U will also have at least one extra routine inspection added within the next 12 months.
Restaurant context
Moobongri operates multiple U.S. outposts and lists a Duluth location on its website, giving the brand a presence across several states. Residents looking to see whether problems have been corrected should check the county inspection portal or review the restaurant's posted records for the latest status.
How to follow up
If you ate at the restaurant and are now dealing with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or fever, health officials advise contacting your healthcare provider and mentioning where and when you ate. Complaints about food safety can be filed with the local health department, and inspection reports are publicly available on the county portal, per GNR Health. Diners who want the most current information before a visit can also check the county inspection portal or call the health department in advance.
