How Detroit-style Pizza Became Popular in Seoul

Detroit-style pizza has found an unexpected home in Seoul, South Korea, where entrepreneur John Kim opened Motor City in 2016—the country's first Detroit-style pizzeria. Kim, who also founded Korea's first Texas barbecue restaurant, traveled to Detroit to learn authentic pizza-making from late Detroit pizza pioneer Shawn Randazzo before opening his Seoul location in the diverse Itaewon neighborhood. The restaurant serves genuine Detroit-style pizza with a crispy, caramelized crust, though the team had to adapt recipes to account for differences in Korean water pH and flour availability to achieve authenticity while appealing to local tastes.

The story highlights how Detroit's food culture has transcended geography and become a draw for international diners, showcasing the global reach of the city's culinary legacy. Over a decade, Motor City has successfully bridged the gap between Detroit and Seoul through food.