Gwangju cocktail bar with 6 signatures at 10–45% ABV: Chomyeon

Ever wanted to try drinking alone but hesitated because you thought you'd feel awkward sitting there by yourself? I sometimes want that same thing — some solo time, but with just enough of other people's energy buzzing around me. So today I visited a spot where strangers apparently turn into familiar faces like magic: the new hotspot in Dongmyeong-dong, Chomyeon (초면, meaning "first meeting").

When you hear "solo-drinking bar," you probably picture somewhere quiet and lonely, but this place completely shattered that stereotype! Fun games that had everyone cracking up, an open floor-to-ceiling window view, and drop-dead gorgeous cocktails — I enjoyed all of it, and here's my hyped-up record of the whole night, starting now!

Where is Chomyeon in Dongmyeong-dong, and what are the hours?

• Location: 8-1 Dongmyeong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, South Korea, 2nd floor
• Hours: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 20:00–03:00 / Fri, Sat (weekends) 19:00–04:00
• Closed every Monday

When people talk about hotspots in Gwangju, the main street of Dongmyeong-dong is basically a given, right? Chomyeon sits right in the middle of that hotspot, so finding it is a total piece of cake. That's because it's directly on the 2nd floor above Tanyo Dongmyeong-jeom, the already-famous skewer restaurant in the neighborhood.

All you have to do is spot the hip sign visible even from a distance and head up to the second floor. That makes it super convenient whether you're meeting friends here or moving on to it as a second stop after hanging out in Dongmyeong-dong!

Black interior and 2nd-floor windows: the mood at Chomyeon

Inside, Chomyeon has a sleek black-toned interior with a glamorous chandelier glowing softly overhead. That night the place was so packed with customers that there wasn't an empty seat, which made it genuinely hard to get a nice shot of the whole interior! I dodged around other guests as carefully as I could to grab a few quick shots, so I'm not sure I fully captured just how hip and stylish the atmosphere actually was.

Overall it really gave off the vibe of a luxurious hotel lounge bar!

Dart machine and board games at Chomyeon

On one side of Chomyeon sits a flashy, large dart machine — perfect for blowing off steam in one go. On top of that, there's a mountain of fun board games at the tables for lightly enjoying with friends or people you just met: pirate roulette, the crocodile teeth game, various card games, and more! Sip a cocktail, start a round of darts or a board game with a little wager, and any awkwardness disappears in an instant while the energy in the room shoots straight through the roof.

How much do drinks cost at Chomyeon?

With a vibe this hip and upscale, you'd worry the drinks would be pricey — but Chomyeon's prices completely won me over too! The salty snacks that go well with a light drink are reasonably priced, and the high-quality highballs and cocktails are usually in the low-to-mid ₩10,000s, which is very fair. Even the visually stunning signature cocktails, clearly made with real care by the bartender, run ₩13,000 to ₩16,000, so there's no pressure to hold back from trying a variety!

The free snack: pretzels

The first thing they bring out once you're seated is the basic snack — salty, crunchy pretzels served in a heaping shiny steel bowl. This little thing is seriously addictive! With coarse salt grains studded on the outside, the saltiness hits the moment it touches your mouth, and the more you crunch through it, the more its clean, savory flavor comes through — I couldn't stop reaching for more!

Six signature cocktails, from 10% to 45% ABV

1. Cheotinsang (첫인상, "First Impression") — 10% ABV / 14,000 won

With its gorgeous red hue, Cheotinsang combines the sweetness of peach and berry with a fresh hit of lime. Just like its name, it comes on sweet and leaves a refreshing note in your mouth — a perfect opening drink. On top of the pretty shimmering red color, the alcohol scent doesn't overpower it at all, so it's a great pick for lightweights or anyone who just wants to feel good with a pretty cocktail! The ultimate sweet drink, packed with that first-sip excitement.

2. Chomyeon (초면, "First Meeting") — 13% ABV / 15,000 won

The signature drink sharing the bar's own name! Served in a tall highball glass, it looks refreshing just to look at. Sweet apple and a subtle pear aroma drift through smoothly, finishing with a clean, bright note of yuzu that wraps everything up nicely. True to the menu description that even awkward strangers can get close fast over one glass of Chomyeon, it's a crisp, sweet drink that anyone, regardless of age or preference, can enjoy easily.

3. Yonggi (용기, "Courage") — 35% ABV / 16,000 won

Served with a chunky, clear round ice cube topped with a cute little cherry, Yonggi scores full points on presentation. At 35% ABV it's quite strong, but sweet cassis and a smooth, exotic coconut aroma wrap the alcohol gently, making for a heavy yet very appealing sweetness. It's a secretive, seductive cocktail perfect for when you need a little "courage" to talk to a stranger, or when you want to crank up the energy tonight and need a little help from alcohol!

4. Sweet Killer — 40% ABV / 15,000 won

A cocktail that truly lives up to its name! The moment it hits your mouth it's sweet and smooth, just like the name suggests, but hidden behind that is a whopping 40% ABV that can knock you flat if you let your guard down. Fooled by the sweet fruity aroma, you sip along until you suddenly realize you're completely drunk on both the mood and the alcohol. This is the ultimate glass for true alcohol lovers who want to feel sweetness and a sharp alcoholic punch at the same time!

5. Godfather — 30% ABV / 13,000 won

If you love a heavy whiskey base, this classic of classics is a must-order. Deep, rich whiskey meets amaretto liqueur in the perfect ratio, delivering an unforgettable, deep flavor. The distinctively nutty, sweet almond aroma of amaretto comes through with weight, making it the ideal choice for keeping your own quiet mood even amid a lively, noisy crowd. The subtle sweetness left after that first bold sip is genuinely a work of art!

6. Catharsis — 45% ABV / 15,000 won

Rum, amaretto, and bright lime juice come together fantastically, delivering a flavor so intense and tangy it tingles the back of your neck. As the heavy, strong alcohol slides down your throat, you can genuinely feel all your pent-up stress burst open in one shot — living up fully to the name Catharsis. If you want to blow off some serious steam today, charge straight at this one!

Is Chomyeon worth it for drinking alone and playing games?

The open night view through the second-floor windows, the hip lighting, the pleasant buzz of a crowded room, and the fun of darts and board games — Chomyeon in Dongmyeong-dong, Gwangju, felt like it was perfectly designed both for enjoying solitude and for hanging out and having a blast with new people.

Smart QR ordering added convenience on top, and with a reasonably priced lineup ranging from sweet signature cocktails to intense strong drinks, it was a day that spoiled both my mouth and my eyes! If you're looking for a hotspot in Dongmyeong-dong that's fun without being over-the-top and still has real atmosphere, I recommend visiting without hesitation, 200% confidently!