Amidst the flow of history, the Mido Dabang has preserved the passage of time.
In an old alleyway in Daegu, you encounter a space where time seems to have stopped. This is the Mido Café located in Jin Alley, Jung-gu. This place, with traces of the once-flourishing café culture, is a special spot where the past and present coexist.
Bridging the broken traces of history
The origins of the Mido Café date back to 1928. It first opened during the Japanese colonial period in Daegu, but its legacy was interrupted, making it hard to trace its past. The current Mido Café began operation in 1982, when owner Jeong In-sook acquired it from an acquaintance. For over 40 years, it has kept its place and has become a cultural symbol of Daegu.
The café moved to its current location in Jin Alley in 2013. Despite multiple relocations, the essence of Mido Café has not changed. As time passes, its value has deepened further.
Traces left by writers and artists
What makes Mido Café special is not merely its age. This place is where numerous writers and artists have dwelled. The novelist Kim Won-il conceived his works here, and the painter Lee In-sung sketched on cigarette foil impulsively. The poet Jeon Sang-yeol, before ending his life, left a poem titled “Mido Fragrance” set against the backdrop of Mido Café.
The walls still bear the traces they’ve left behind—paintings, writings, and artworks donated by customers enrich the café’s ambiance. It’s an old but warm space. Sipping a cup of tea feels like sharing the past.
Time soaked into a cup of Ssanghwa tea
The representative menu of Mido Café is Ssanghwa tea. It’s unlike the commonly found powdered variety. With ingredients sourced directly from Daegu Yakryeong Market, the tea is simmered to produce a deep, rich taste. A single sip warms the body, and the unique herbal fragrance lingers in the mouth.
When you order Ssanghwa tea, it comes with traditional snacks. Un-sweetened rice crackers and crispy snacks are served on a small plate. Biting into one fills your mouth with an old-fashioned sentiment. Among them, the ginger rice cracker pairs well with Ssanghwa tea. Such small details are why Mido Café is still beloved.
A space that remembers each customer
One cannot overlook the warm hospitality of owner Jeong In-sook. For over 40 years, she has welcomed customers with consistent warmth. She remembers the faces of regulars who visit daily and walks around as a companion.
What’s truly impressive is her habit of personally seeing off each guest with a greeting at the door—something you rarely see in large franchise cafés. Perhaps that’s why there are so many regulars who “clock in” daily at Mido Café. For them, this isn’t just a tea house; it’s become a part of life.
A time travel along Jin Alley
Jin Alley is one of the oldest alleys in Daegu. As you walk past century-old Hanoks and modern buildings, you naturally encounter Daegu’s past.
It’s recommended to enjoy a modern alley tour before or after visiting the café. The alley is filled with small workshops and old bookstores that resonate with the same sensibilities as Mido Café.
A space where past and present coexist
While preserving traditions, Mido Café is transforming into a space that communicates with new generations by incorporating modern sensibilities. With an increasing number of young people seeking retro vibes, Mido Café is experiencing a renaissance. The harmony of long-time regulars and new visitors creates a distinct atmosphere.
Mido Café is a space where history breathes, continuously connecting people’s hearts through a warm cup of coffee. If you visit Daegu, be sure to experience this special place where past and present coexist.