Disclosed are a device and method for detecting a Multimedia Internet Message Extension (MIME) type in a digital video broadcasting terminal, which can detect the MIME type of at least one file from Electronic Service Guide (ESG) data in order to provide a file download service. The device includes a digital broadcasting reception unit for receiving ESG data, a memory for storing information necessary for the file download service in the ESG, and a controller for detecting the MIME type of each of plural files through at least one of MIME types defined in a component description of a corresponding application, in container data including file data, or in a File Description Table (FDT) for an individual transmission of the file data, if the plural files exist in the corresponding application for the file download service in the ESG data.