바 is a noun meaning 1) means, way 2) that (which was already said) 3) fact, thing, occurrence. It is a little similar to 것, but used only in writings and formal speeches. Unlike 것 which is commonly used for concrete things (이것, 내 것), 바 is only used for abstract things, and usually in good style writings and speeches. ex) 어찌할 바를 모르다: be at a loss what to do. (meaning #1) 위에서 말한 바와 같이: as stated[mentioned] above. #2 내가 아는 바로는: so[as] far as I know. #3 그럴 바에야 차라리 팔겠다: I'd rather sell it than do that. #1 그는 지난 선거에서 낙선 한 바 있다: He has been defeated in the last election. #3 금에 비할 바가 아니다: (It is) well beyond comparison to gold #3