Shore to Shore: A Dream 25-Years in the Making

SALISBURY, Md. — In the latest edition of Shore to Shore, I spoke with a family that made their journey to the U.S. in 2001. Twenty-five years later, a Korean restaurant called Koji opened in Salisbury.

The Kim family, who promised to uphold the legacy of Asian cuisine, took over the space once occupied by Sushi De Kanpai in downtown Salisbury. Koji opened its doors months ago, but the Kims tell me the journey has been 25 years in the making.

Jeremy Kim, the restaurant’s general manager and son of the owners, said, “It’s a lot different than Korea. Ultimately, they came here for us, me and my sisters. Even though they struggled a lot in the beginning because of the language barrier and cultural differences, they both really worked hard.”

Kim said opening Koji has been a dream for his parents, with his mother, Jung Choi, preparing most of the restaurant’s signature dishes. He recalled his younger years when friends often filled their house, and no one ever went home hungry.

“So, what she’s saying is, there’s not much authentic Korean food around here,” Kim said. “She really wanted to give that opportunity to other people, not just for the Korean community, but for everyone.”

It’s not just one specific dish that stands out, though.

“Yeah, so it’s like the galbi, any of the meats, really, bulgogi. But honestly, she loves cooking all of it,” Kim said. “She’s naming everything, but she loves making all of it.”

With the air filled with the scent of smoky-sweet spices, Kim says his family finds new joy as people come in to try the unfamiliar cuisine.

“She didn’t realize how big the Salisbury community was,” Kim said. “She’s got a lot of different customers, obviously, and a lot of regulars as well. They motivate her to keep going.”

Through meeting new people who appreciate the food, Choi overcame a fear of people not enjoying her cooking. With Koji’s success, the Kim family is gaining recognition in the community.

“My mom says that, especially when it’s slow, she’ll watch the people eat through the window and see if they’re enjoying it,” Kim said. “When they clear the whole board, that’s the best feeling for her.”

What seems like a small restaurant in downtown Salisbury is rooted in a deep history of dreams. The flavors alone will leave you looking forward to your next visit.

Koji has also received its liquor license and will be partaking in future TAPS events in Salisbury.

If you have any local business recommendations for Shore to Shore, email me at haley_rae@wmdt.com.