Celebrating 20 Years at Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market’s Anniversary Bash

It was a Sunday to remember in Duluth, Georgia, as thousands gathered this May to celebrate a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market.

For those in attendance, the event felt more like a cultural festival than a traditional store celebration and that feeling was no accident. What started as a single neighborhood market founded by Yong Kim has grown into a vibrant chain of eight stores across the Atlanta area. From the beginning, Nam Dae Mun has been about more than groceries. It’s a place where international flavors, family values, and a deep commitment to community come together.

That dedication and innovation prompted Nam Dae Mun's wholesaler MDI to nominate Yong Kim for 2025 IGA USA Retailer of the Year. Kim and the store ended up earning the 2025 IGA USA International Retailer of the Year title at the Awards of Excellence Ceremony held in Las Vegas, Nevada in February 2025.

Months in the Making

This anniversary wasn’t just about looking back. It was a chance to thank customers, reflect on the journey, and celebrate the unique spirit that drives the brand forward.

Planning for the event began in October when the Nam Dae Mun team partnered with a Florida-based PR firm to bring the vision to life. Alice Kim, daughter of founder Yong Kim and a longtime leader at the company, explained the scope of the planning process.

“They really helped us every step of the way,” she said. “Coordinating vendors, securing performers, organizing food trucks, it was a massive logistical effort.”

A 100-Day Countdown to the Main Event

The celebration extended far beyond a single day. In February, the team launched a 100-day sweepstakes, giving customers a chance to win a wide range of prizes. From televisions and rice cookers to store gift cards and even a Cadillac Escalade, the promotion built momentum and excitement leading up to the big day.

The drawing was held during the event, with some of the winners present to collect their prizes.

Alice notes that some of the winners, especially the big-ticket item recipients, were shocked to have won and truly couldn’t believe they could walk away with the gifts.

A Festival of Sights, Sounds, and Flavors

The mariachi band performs during Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market's 20th anniversary celebration.

But the giveaways were just one part of the excitement. What truly brought the day to life was the vibrant mix of performances that kept the crowd entertained from late morning through the early evening. Latin bands, samba dancers, flamenco performers, a mariachi band, and a Korean drum troupe all took the stage. A local favorite, Party on the Moon, also played live sets, giving the day a celebratory soundtrack that had guests and staff dancing.

Kids weren’t left out of the fun either. Nam Dae Mun organized a “passport adventure” that turned the event into an interactive treasure hunt. Children visited booths to collect stamps and, once their passports were filled, received goodie bags. Between that and the family-friendly atmosphere, the event created lasting memories for attendees of all ages.

Local Partnerships and Global Pride

Behind the scenes, the success of the event was driven by strong partnerships. The PR team helped promote the celebration across the community and secured coverage from local news outlets. Popular food trucks like Greedyman’s BBQ offered a menu that reflected the store’s commitment to global flavors.

Dozens of Nam Dae Mun’s vendors also took part. They set up booths, handed out samples, and created a marketplace atmosphere in the parking lot. One bubble tea vendor drew such a large crowd that they ran out of samples altogether.

Inside and outside the store, the team worked hard to reflect Nam Dae Mun’s inclusive spirit. At the welcome booth, staff communicated in English, Korean, Spanish, and Mandarin, making it easy for every guest to feel at home and enjoy the experience.

Alice noted that it was a true reflection of their store.

“That’s what we want to do, embrace diversity and bring people together through food.”

A True Community Celebration

Yong Kim, owner of Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market, poses with local police.

Though rain had passed through earlier that day and returned after, the skies remained clear for the celebration. The turnout exceeded expectations. More than 3,000 guests attended, and every goodie bag was claimed.

For the Kim family, the event was deeply personal. Alice shared how meaningful it was to see her children enjoying the festivities. She was also touched by the surprise appearance of church members who came out to show their support.

“It was a celebration, and it felt really like a celebration,” she said. “Don’t get me wrong, it was stressful getting to that point, but once we got there, it was so worth it.”

Employees from every store location volunteered their time to help run the event. From managing the flow of guests to supporting the kids’ activities and assisting with the raffle, the team’s presence and commitment stood out.

More Than a Milestone

By blending cultural celebration with brand storytelling, the event did more than mark a date on the calendar. It reminded guests why Nam Dae Mun exists and why it matters to so many families across the Atlanta area.

For Alice, it was a moment to pause and express gratitude.

“We were grateful for just everyone coming and grateful for our team that helped organize,” she said.

The event wasn’t just a marker of success, but also a reflection of Nam Dae Mun’s mission: to embrace diversity, bring people together, and do it all through the universal language of food.

That mission was felt in every part of the day, from the multicultural music to the international cuisine and multilingual staff to the spontaneous employee dance parties.

As Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market enters its third decade, the team continues to celebrate their deep roots in the community and a clear vision for what they represent.