Dongmyeong-dong cocktail bar with smoked Godfather: Chomyeon

In short

Chomyeon is a cocktail bar on the second floor near Dongmyeong-dong’s dining alley in Gwangju. I visited with a friend for five cocktails and salsa nachos; its quiet mood, bar seats, smoked Godfather, and rich espresso martini stood out.

Chomyeon, a softly atmospheric cocktail bar in Dongmyeong-dong
Chomyeon, a cocktail bar for drinks in Dongmyeong-dong

Good to know

Location
Near Dongmyeong-dong’s dining alley, 2F, 8-1 Dongmyeong-ro, Dong-gu
Hours listed in the original post
Mon–Thu 8 PM–3 AM; Fri–Sun 7 PM–4 AM
Parking
Not available
Ordering
Scan the QR code at the table to view the menu and order
Seating and facilities
Bar seating, Wi-Fi, and separate restrooms for men and women
Other information
Reservations, group visits, and private rental are listed as available
Complimentary snack
Caramel popcorn was provided during the visit

as written by the visitor on Sep 2, 2026

Is the atmosphere good for a drink alone or conversation with friends?

I visited Chomyeon (초면), a cocktail bar in Dongmyeong-dong, for a casual drink with a friend. Soft lighting filled the space, and it was quiet enough to naturally focus on our conversation.

Chomyeon in Dongmyeong-dong, visited for drinks with a friend
Chomyeon, a softly atmospheric cocktail bar in Dongmyeong-dong
Chomyeon, a cocktail bar for drinks in Dongmyeong-dong

Where is Chomyeon, and is parking available?

Chomyeon is on the second floor of a building at 8-1 Dongmyeong-ro, Dong-gu, near Dongmyeong-dong’s dining alley. Walking from Haneul Madang toward the dining alley, I spotted the warmly lit exterior without much trouble. It is also close to ACC and Dongmyeong-dong’s café street, making it a convenient place to stop for a drink after a meal.

Chomyeon’s exterior near Dongmyeong-dong’s dining alley

According to the original post, hours are 8 PM to 3 AM the following day from Monday through Thursday, and 7 PM to 4 AM the following day from Friday through Sunday. Parking is not available. Reservations, group visits, and private rental are listed as available, along with Wi-Fi and separate restrooms for men and women.

What can you watch from the bar seats?

There were bar seats under soft lighting inside. I went with a friend, but the seating and atmosphere made me think it would also be comfortable to come alone for a drink.

Chomyeon interior with soft lighting and bar seating
Chomyeon’s bar area, comfortable for a drink alone

A large screen on one side of the space was playing videos. My eyes naturally lingered on it while drinking.

Large screen playing videos inside Chomyeon

Various liquors were arranged behind the bar. Watching the bartender shake a shaker, add ingredients, and finish the cocktails made the wait enjoyable too.

Liquor and cocktail-related scene at Chomyeon
Liquor and cocktail-related scene at Chomyeon
Liquor and cocktail-related scene at Chomyeon
Liquor and cocktail-related scene at Chomyeon
Liquor and cocktail-related scene at Chomyeon
Liquor and cocktail-related scene at Chomyeon

What did we order, and how much did it cost?

My friend and I ordered five kinds of cocktails, and since we visited after eating, we chose salsa nachos as a snack. The original post records the following prices for each item.

  • Chomyeon: ₩15,000
  • Peach Crush: ₩13,000
  • Godfather: ₩15,000
  • June Bug: ₩14,000
  • Espresso Martini: ₩14,000
  • Salsa nachos: ₩9,000
A table for viewing the menu and ordering at Chomyeon

Ordering was done by scanning the QR code on the table. It was convenient to look through the menu and order directly from our seats.

Ordering and activities prepared at a Chomyeon table

There was also a crocodile game and balance-game cards on the table. While waiting for our cocktails, we talked and played games together.

Chomyeon bartender making a cocktail

Caramel popcorn came as a complimentary snack. Its sweet and salty flavor went well with the cocktails.

Caramel popcorn served as a complimentary snack at Chomyeon

What did Peach Crush and Chomyeon taste like?

The Peach Crush, which I already like, had a sweet peach aroma. It was refreshing and smooth, and the alcohol taste did not feel strong to me. The Chomyeon had added mint, making it fresh, with sweetness and a cooling quality together. The two drinks tasted different, so it was fun to alternate between them, and I was happy with how they looked in photos.

Peach Crush and Chomyeon cocktails ordered at Chomyeon
Cocktails at Chomyeon enjoyed alternately with a friend

How were the salsa nachos with cocktails?

The crisp nachos were generously topped with tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños. They had a crunchy texture, and their fresh, slightly spicy taste paired well with cocktails.

Salsa nachos at Chomyeon topped with tomatoes and onions

How did the Godfather, June Bug, and espresso martini differ?

What were the aroma and flavor of the smoked Godfather?

The Godfather’s smoking process after ordering was memorable. The smoke filling the glass and its spreading smoky aroma made me look forward to it before drinking. Its smoky scent and full-bodied flavor came together well, making it nice to sip slowly.

Chomyeon’s Godfather with a memorable smoking process
Chomyeon’s Godfather enjoyed for its smoky aroma

Did the June Bug have a noticeable fruit aroma?

The June Bug tasted sweet and refreshing from the first sip. It had a bright fruit aroma, so I thought even someone new to cocktails could enjoy its flavor comfortably.

Chomyeon’s June Bug with a refreshing fruit aroma

How was the espresso martini for a coffee lover?

Since I like coffee, I also ordered the espresso martini. The smooth crema on top and its rich coffee aroma stood out, with sweetness and bitterness together. It felt like enjoying a cup of coffee as a cocktail, which I personally liked.

Chomyeon’s espresso martini topped with crema

That day, the owner served us tequila on the house. The salt on the rim added a savory note, and the lemon made it refreshing. It was an unexpected service and a pleasant way to end the visit.

Tequila and lemon served on the house at Chomyeon
A drink enjoyed at Chomyeon, a Dongmyeong-dong cocktail bar

Where it is

Chomyeon (초면)초면

2F, 8-1 Dongmyeong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, South Korea (전남광주통합특별시 동구 동명로 8-1 2층)전남광주통합특별시 동구 동명로 8-1 2층

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