Builder-turned-barista settles down on small island

Kim Myung-jin brews coffee at his cafe on Daeijak Island, Incheon. / Courtesy of Kim Myung-jin

By Jun Ji-hye

Finding quality hand-drip coffee in remote areas can be a challenge, especially when the remote area is an island with fewer than 300 residents.

However, thanks to builder-turned-barista Kim Myung-jin, who opened a cafe, called Hackberry House, dedicated to hand-drip coffee on Daeijak Island, Incheon, the location is a savior for traveling coffee fans and caffeine addicts.

“I studied civil engineering in university and worked for a construction company, participating in various projects including former President Lee Myung-bak's controversial Four Rivers Restoration Project, before returning to my hometown in June 2014,” Kim said in an interview with The Korea Times. “But I always dreamed of running a small cafe that has good music all the time.”

The island is about two hours away by ship from a ferry terminal in Incheon. After graduating from the elementary school on the island, the only school there, Kim had to move to Incheon alone to continue his studies.

Kim dreamed of returning to the island but was unable to do so as he was worried about losing his job after he lost his wife and became the sole caregiver of their son.

“I had to take care of my son. When he was in his early 20s, I talked to him about my dream, and he agreed without hesitation. So I was able achieve my dream,” he said.

To open a cafe on the island, he took a barista course for six months from the end of 2014.

Kim said he sticks to hand-drip coffee at his cafe because he wanted to create a space where people who are usually forced to do things as quickly as possible in modern society can slow down and experience a slower pace of life while waiting for their coffee.

“I hope visitors can refresh their tired bodies and minds at my cafe, while enjoying nature on this island,” he said.

Kim, who loves music and plays guitar, is also a member of a seven-member band of the island.

Other members include vocalists Kim Yoo-ho and Kim Se-hwan; drummers Jeong Kyu-soo, Lim Seon-mi and Choi Jeong-yoon; and bassist Kang Choon-sik.

The members are either fishers or operate guest houses on the island.