Cafe Culture: Getting to Know the Cafe Owner in Korea

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One of the things I cherish the most while exploring local cafes is connecting with cafe owners. There’s something special about sipping a perfectly brewed cup of coffee while hearing the heartfelt stories behind their cafes. These stories often reveal the passion and hard work that brought their dreams to life. Many owners speak English well, making it easier to dive into conversations beyond just coffee. Here are three of my favorite cafes in Daegu, where I enjoyed learning about the unique journeys of the people who own them.

Table of Contents

• Connecting With Cafe Owners
• Minwoljae Cafe
• Hyang Gallery & Cafe
• Tiyom Pink
• In Conclusion

Connecting With Cafe Owners

I’ve always had a deep love for cafes in Korea. Every time I walk into one, I can’t help but wonder about the person behind it. What made them open a cafe? What are their motivations and goals? I’m especially curious about why they choose certain concepts, from modern and trendy to more traditional settings. It’s fascinating to think about what inspired their vision and how they hope to connect with people through their spaces. These questions often spark my conversations with cafe owners, leading to some of the best stories I’ve heard while traveling.

Minwoljae Cafe

The moment I walked into Minwoljae Cafe, I could feel its history. It’s a beautifully restored Hanok-style cafe. I ordered a milk tea and sat down, unknowingly, at the owner’s table. Jin, the owner, didn’t mind and gently let me know. We laughed, and that simple interaction turned into a long conversation.

Jin had learned English while working in the Philippines, a far cry from his current life running a serene cafe. He shared the story of transforming his grandmother’s early 19th-century home into Minwoljae. Despite the language gap, I understood his pride and passion. Before I left, he insisted I try his signature black sesame coffee and a traditional lotus rice cake on the house.

That connection reminded me that some of the best conversations start with a bit of awkwardness.

Minwoljae Cafe (민월재)

• Address: 159-4 Goseong-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu
• Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 11 AM – 9 PM; Sat-Sun: 12 PM – 9 PM

Hyang Gallery & Cafe

Some cafes don’t quite meet your expectations, but Hyang Gallery & Cafe exceeded mine. Located just down the road from Minwoljae, I needed a break and decided to stop by. As soon as I walked in, I could feel the heart behind the place.

Sin Hyang, the owner, opened this cafe three years ago after years of traveling through Europe. Though she spoke little English, we bonded over our shared love of travel. With the help of a translation app, we exchanged stories. She had been to more than 20 countries in Europe, and we both smiled when we talked about the beauty of Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes.

Our conversation didn’t need to be perfect to feel meaningful. By the time I left, she had treated me to plums and pretzels, simply out of kindness.

Hyang Gallery & Cafe (향갤러리&카페)

• Address: 343-12 Urok-gil, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu
• Opening Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM

Tiyom Pink

There are a lot of beautiful cafes in Cheongdo. However, Tiyom Pink is not just a cafe; it’s a reflection of its owner’s life. Mr. Ahn, a man in his 70s, welcomed me with open arms. He named his cafe after a stray kitten that had left its mark on the cafe’s floor before it even opened.

We spent more than an hour talking about his titanium business, family, and even politics. His main job is producing titanium, yet his passion for cafes shines through. He proudly showed me the bathroom, built with pink titanium, and asked for my opinion on some design elements. To my surprise, he handed my choice to his construction supervisor, making me feel like part of the process.

I left Tiyom Pink with more than just memories of delicious apple ade. I felt like I’d helped shape a small part of his dream. And guess what? Mr. Ahn and I are still exchanging Kakaotalk messages and pictures. I really hope I get to return to South Korea. He will definitely be one of the people I connect with.

Tiyom Pink (티욤핑크)

• Address: 34-11 Yeonjian-gil, Hwayang-eup, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 8 PM; Sat-Sun: 10 AM – 9 PM

In Conclusion

These cafes taught me that even when words fail, human connection never does. Each encounter left me richer in stories and friendships, proof that kindness and curiosity can overcome any language barrier. So, the next time you find yourself in a cafe, strike up a conversation—you never know where it might lead.

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