It has taken time to settle in Central for Alexandra’s Sushi Cafe owner and family, but finally locals are smiling and welcoming them, business is good and there’s no return to Korea on the cards.

Manki grew up 20 minutes from Seoul, studied at a Korean Polytech to hone his sushi skills, and owns the only specialist sushi business in Alexandra.

He works hard, six days a week to support his family (he and his wife have twin 16 year old sons) and keep things ticking over for his three employees. 

Manki and Sunju Hong have been living in Aotearoa for the past nine years, first in Queenstown, then Wānaka and finally in Cromwell. 

Manki said as far as he knows they are the only Korean family in Central and they haven't seen their extended family for more than two and a half years.

“Language and communication are the hardest for me. But we are happy, my sons are happy with how education is, there is no stress compared with Korea.

“[At] first [coming here] some people were very kind, but some people were not smiling at all at first.”

Like other Central hospitality owners things have been challenging. They have had to refit the store on Centennial Ave prior to opening (it used to be a garage), then there’s been Covid-19 lockdowns and mask use to contend with, and Manki is currently trying to find a new employee.

Despite missing their broader family, Manki said he is “very happy with his business” and his “smiling good customers” and they won’t be moving.

Manki said a smile will break down language difficulties, irrespective of where you are from in the world

He plays in a softball team but has not yet made it to a local rugby game as he is usually working.

English lessons through Central Otago REAP have been a great way for him to gain confidence and meet new people. 

When he is not at work he loves boating, fishing and swimming, things he did not get to do a lot of in Korea. 

Wife Sunju, who used to help her husband at Sushi Cafe, works part time at Carrick Winery now, balancing work and family commitments as are many who have moved into the district.  

With google translate in most people’s pocket now, why not learn a greeting in Korean: 

안녕하세요 [an nyeong ha seyo]

In the 2018 New Zealand census 35,664 people identified as being part of the Korean ethnic group, making up 0.8 per cent of New Zealand's population.

The Central App champions the locals and those that contribute to make Central a vibrant diverse place.

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