When did the image of the café we envision today begin? In 1990, when franchise cafés like Starbucks and Coffee Bean were non-existent, it was 'Coffee Myeongga' in Daegu that signaled the start of the coffee brand era. In a time when whole bean coffee and instant coffee were the only options, CEO Ahn Myeong-gyu, recognizing the emotional function of coffee, created a space where people and society could communicate through the medium of coffee. True to the name 'Coffee Myeongga,' which means 'bright,' he willingly volunteered to become a facilitator who brings joy and happiness to customers through coffee. As he hoped, Coffee Myeongga opened a new horizon for domestic coffee culture. Even now, 30 years later, Coffee Myeongga is located throughout the country, presenting the romance and happiness embodied in coffee and its spaces to many people.

It has already been over 30 years since Coffee Myeongga was founded. Is there a reason why you chose Daegu as your base?

My hometown is Gyeongju. I began studying coffee in earnest when I started working at a cafe in Gyeongju in 1988. Before opening my own business, I looked at various cities and decided on the area near Kyungpook National University in Daegu. I was in my mid-20s at the time, which is the same age as university and graduate students. Although we do different jobs—they study while I run a cafe—I thought it would be interesting to live through the same era and experience life from the same perspective as them. Crucially, I wanted to instill coffee DNA in them.

What is Coffee DNA? It was 1990, a time when there were no franchise cafes and cafe culture was not as popularized as it is today.

It is about instilling a sense of romance and leisure. I believe the power of coffee and the role of a café is to provide the energy to dream and contemplate. I see it as psychologically relaxed and creative ideas springing forth when you unwind and think leisurely while drinking coffee at a café. Although cafés are not a form of high culture, they were objects of envy for me. At the time, the national income was less than $10,000, so I wanted to experience in advance what it would be like to enjoy leisure once we became more prosperous. There were no standards or models in Daegu to support that. I wanted Coffee Myeongga to become that kind of model.

What did Coffee Myeongga look like in the beginning?

Back then, 99% of cafes were located in basements. When you opened the door, a mix of the damp air typical of basements and the stale smell of cigarette smoke would waft out. The lighting was so low that you could barely see what was in front of you. Also, all the seating was blocked off by partitions. I hated the very idea of having to spend time in a place like that. I wanted to transform that gloomy atmosphere into something vibrant and fresh. First off, our cafe was a non-smoking zone. That alone was a refreshing shock. We created a space on the second floor and filled it with plants to make it feel like a farm. Additionally, friends majoring in music would play the piano for an hour or two, and when there wasn't a live performance, we played classical music. We created a bright and warm space where people could come comfortably to study, read books, or freely ponder various thoughts, whether they came with a group or alone.

They researched with such passion that not only the space but also the coffee itself was always associated with the title of 'first'.

I believe one of the things Coffee Myeongga did well was its interpretation of coffee and space, and the other was the qualitative evolution of coffee. You could say we spearheaded a coffee revolution through our discovery of roasting. We invented the first roasting machine in Korea and began self-roasting. Other countries were far ahead in technological development, so many places were already roasting their own beans. We became members of the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America), traveling the world to learn coffee techniques and network with coffee masters. Since the beans are just as crucial as the roasting process in determining the taste of coffee, we visited the origins to inspect and purchase the beans in person. I take pride in the fact that Coffee Myeongga laid the foundation for the current coffee culture and system. Now, building upon that foundation, there are many places doing even better than us. I feel a great sense of pride.

Last November, you closed your main branch in Dongseong-ro, which you had operated for nearly 30 years, and opened a wonderful space in Gyeongsan.

I took this opportunity to reflect once again on why I love coffee and what kind of space I wanted to showcase through it. I grew up in an idyllic environment filled with apple orchards, rather than in a city. I used to spend precious time alone inside an apple orchard warehouse. I could feel the abundance of nature and let my imagination soar. I believe this naturally led me to harbor a certain longing. I wanted to recreate a space where one could fully contemplate while feeling that sense of leisure. I envisioned it as an apple orchard warehouse, hoping that people would enjoy the pleasures of the space. A small stream flows around the wide-open grounds, trains pass by, and if you look up at the sky, you can see airplanes flying up close. It is a place where you can take a journey of the mind.

Nowadays, there are so many cafes that it seems like there is one on every building. And before we knew it, when people think of coffee, they sometimes think of other cities like Gangneung or Jeju rather than Daegu. I imagine you have a wish for Daegu to leap forward as a city of coffee once again.

This is a challenge I have to address these days. Broadly speaking, Daegu has the lowest economic indicators among cities every year. Many young people are leaving Daegu. First and foremost, Daegu needs to become a city where people want to live and stay, and within that context, I believe cafes should serve as productive spaces capable of leading and reinterpreting society. I always feel a sense of pride in operating such a cafe. However, it is regrettable that this function is fading, and the number of cafes focusing solely on aesthetics or technical aspects of coffee is increasing. While these are important elements, they shouldn't be everything. That is why I am re-establishing gatherings with people involved in the coffee industry these days. I believe now is the time to draw a concrete picture.

Do you have a specific blueprint in mind?

Daegu doesn't have a large population like Seoul, nor does it boast beautiful coastlines like Busan or Gangneung. As an inland city, Daegu is characterized by extreme heat and extreme cold. Because of this, indoor artistic activities have flourished. Its strength lies in having richer artistic elements compared to other cities. Furthermore, Daegu still has many old buildings. I think it would be beneficial to preserve the rustic yet unique atmosphere of the landscape. I believe it is a city capable of evoking the vibe of Kyoto, Japan. To envision the big picture, I suggest leveraging our art networks to create a Kyoto-like atmosphere. While some people may prefer to relax in dynamic environments, there are certainly others who prefer tranquil ones.

You must have spent more time in Daegu than in your hometown before you knew it. What kind of city is Daegu in your heart?

Daegu is a place where the word "warm and affectionate" fits perfectly. It feels just like my maternal grandmother's house. No matter when I go, I always feel good and get the feeling that I will be welcomed. Daegu certainly has a somewhat closed nature due to its limited exposure to change, but thanks to that, the old ways have been preserved safely. The people are similar to the city. They may have a reserved side, but they often show a side that remains unchanged no matter the situation. That consistency gives me a sense of comfort. That is why it is a city that feels safe and warm to me.

Maker's Pick

3 Coffee Myeongga Steady Seller Menus Recommended by CEO Ahn Myeong-gyu

Homemade strawberry cake

Coffee Myeongga's signature dessert, long loved alongside our coffee. Every day, the most delicious and freshest strawberries are harvested and selected from the farm, and prepared directly at Coffee Myeongga's family shops rather than in a factory. Strawberries are piled high in layers, allowing you to enjoy them without shortage from the first bite to the last.

Guatemala El Injerto Premium Blend

One of Coffee Myeongga’s hand-drip specialty coffees, featuring a delicate and rich flavor achieved by roasting fresh green beans exclusively supplied from farms every day. It is attractive for its full-bodied texture and structure that fills the mouth, and offers a long-lasting aftertaste accompanied by a smooth, creamy texture.

Geumguri Jujube Latte

Coffee Myeongga’s signature Geumguri Jujube Latte is a healthy yet sweet drink made using jujubes, a specialty of Geumguri, Gyeongsan. You can warm your body with just one sip of this jujube latte, infused with the rich aroma of fresh jujubes. The accompanying sweet candied jujubes will tantalize your taste buds.