Mumi Cafe: A Blend of Korean Culture and Exotic Romance

Bringing the Essence of Korea to Taipei

Located near the Dai-An Station in Taipei, Mumi Cafe stands out from the surrounding old apartments with its unique romantic exotic style. The brainchild of Ming Ju Hsieh, a Chinese Korean who works in the food and beverage industry, Mumi Cafe is a testament to his passion for Korean culture and his desire to share it with others.

The cafe's interior design is characterized by a simple and country-style aesthetic, with white as the main tone. Every aspect, from the space style and material choices to the tableware and accessories, has been carefully curated to create an authentic Korean vision and taste. Ming Ju Hsieh even went the extra mile by sourcing materials and decor directly from Korea.

Upon entering the cafe, visitors are greeted by a large glass window with an ironed-like arc frame, providing a unique and inviting view. The English brand name on the door adds a warm, exotic retro touch. Inside, a light brown carpet and a long wood bench create a welcoming atmosphere. The gate shelter not only serves a functional purpose in the Southeast climate but also adds brightness and a 3D aesthetic with its contrasting light and dark white colors.

The attention to detail extends to the cafe's functionality and safety. The wood handrail for the stairs is covered with glass to protect customers, especially children. The ceiling lamps and rattan plaited chairs contribute to the Korean drama-like ambiance, infusing the space with a retro, energetic, and cute atmosphere.

Ming Ju Hsieh's dedication to creating an authentic Korean cafe experience in Taiwan was not without its challenges. Adapting the 100% Korean cafe decoration to the hot and humid climate of Taiwan required careful consideration of construction materials and maintenance. Custom-made steel doors, commonly used in Korean cafes, were not feasible due to budget constraints. After extensive discussions, a solution was found: a complex process involving wood modeling, cement board, waterproof primer, UGL paste filler, anti-UV treatment, and a waterproof transparent protective film.

Mumi Cafe has become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The fireplace and window seat, the owner's favorite place, have become iconic photo spots. The cafe's design has received recognition and acclaim, earning the Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail, and Exhibition Design category in 2020. This prestigious award honors designs that exhibit outstanding creativity, resourcefulness, and technical skills, contributing to quality of life improvements.

Step into Mumi Cafe and let yourself be transported to the heart of Korea, where romance and culture intertwine in a truly unique setting.