A Fulton County teenager who was in Atlanta to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday became the focus of a celebration herself.

KoEun "Emma" Lee became the 5 millionth visitor to the World of Coca-Cola since its relocation to Pemberton Place near the Georgia Aquarium on May 24, 2007, said Jacquie Wansley, spokeswoman for the Atlanta-based beverage maker.

The milestone kicked off a celebration in Lee's honor that included a balloon drop, treats for Lee and all the guests at the attraction and a photo shoot with Lee and the Coca-Cola polar bear. In addition, Lee won a raft of prizes, including a lifetime pass to the World of Coca-Cola, a special guided tour of the facility, a $500 gift certificate to the Coca-Cola Store and other goodies.

"I was so surprised, everyone was clapping for me and everyone was there with balloons," said Lee, a senior at Johns Creek High School. "I still can't believe this. ... I've seen people winning things before, but didn't think this could happen to me."

The World of Coca-Cola features more than 1,200 artifacts, interactive exhibits and a fully functioning bottling line. In December, it also became home to Coca-Cola's secret formula, which was moved from SunTrust Bank to a vault inside the attraction.

The original World of Coca-Cola opened in 1990. Before 2007, the attraction was located adjacent to Underground Atlanta.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Protesters try to hold a banner depicting U.S. President Donald Trump as police officers and members of airport security block at the arrival terminal of the Incheon International Airport, in Incheon, South Korea, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

Delta employees are under investigation because of content “related to the recent murder of activist Charlie Kirk” that “went well beyond healthy, respectful debate,” CEO Ed Bastian wrote in a companywide memo Friday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez