Korean-owned businesses in the Flushing area of Queens are again seeing an increase in the number of Chinese customers and patrons; malls, stores, shops and restaurants are all experiencing an upsurge in Chinese business. However, not all are happy with the prospect of a continued increase. Many view this as an indication of a potential “Chinese takeover” of this area, which is heavily Korean.

The increase in Chinese customers comes with an overall increase in business. The growing tension with the Chinese, however, is based on past experiences of Korean business owners who saw Chinese businesses take over Flushing’s Main Street. Now they see them making inroads in the area around Northern Boulevard, which until now was a Korean stronghold.

Chinese Customers Increase

The Korean sushi buffet Minari, located between Northern and Parsons Boulevards, serves a large number of Chinese with Korean ancestry. Almost 50 percent of the customers are Chinese. Other restaurants and bars on Northern Boulevard have also experienced a rapid increase in the number of young Chinese customers. Young Americanized Chinese and Chinese Americans now comprise almost 30 percent of these customers.

Some Korean restaurants and supermarkets are actively seeking more Chinese customers and are advertising in the Chinese press, including the internet. Lee Sung-hun, president of the New York Total Insurance Company explained, “Korean restaurants, and Korean-owned supermarkets and small businesses cannot ignore the spending power of Chinese customers. That is our business reality.”

Chinese Commercial Power Penetrates the Korean Market

Chinese businesses have long sought to locate to Northern Boulevard, and have made a steady effort to this end. Last year, the building across from Seoul Plaza on Northern Boulevard was purchased by a Chinese consortium; two years ago, a Chinese supermarket opened at 146th St. and Northern Boulevard.

According to one real estate broker, whenever stores or business sites go up for sale or lease around Northern Boulevard, Chinese businesses set on acquiring them. Last year, due to the economic depression, the Chinese advance to Northern Boulevard slowed somewhat; this year however, the Chinese focus on the area is stronger than ever.

Lee Yong-bok, president of the Northeast Korean Real Estate Association said, “We anticipate the advance of Chinese commercial power to Northern Boulevard. The Chinese put their money together and make aggressive offers. If Korean investors and the Korean community want to retain Northern Boulevard for themselves, they must also make joint investments like the Chinese.”