Visited: 📅 (Span) 26 April 2024 – 01 May 2024; Consumption: Beverages; Group Size: Solo
Location: (What3Words) ///defeated.verdict.avocado
Address: 서교동 347-30 2F, Seoul, South Korea, 121-837
Contact: +827082685833; Instagram: @nuba_seoul

Review

Location, story and background

NUBA café or bar, is nestled in the vibrant heart of Seoul, specifically in Hongdae, a lively district known for its association with Hongik University. This establishment is conveniently situated near the popular “Festival Street,” a bustling shopping street that stretches from Sangsu Station, all the way up to Hongdae University Station, with AK Plaza as a prominent landmark. Remarkably, NUBA is just a leisurely 10-15 minute walk from AK Plaza.

During my stay, I had the pleasure of residing in an Airbnb a mere 2 minutes away on foot, a proximity that encouraged multiple visits, given their offering of beers from my home country.

Reception & Service

Every time I entered the café, I was greeted warmly and seated at a table of my choice. The service is splendid, and I got my drinks I ordered quickly. The owner and staff were friendly and easy to talk to, and I can tell that they have a passion for Belgian products.

Interior & Cosiness

There’s a cosy vibe going on in this bar. It may look dark from outside, but once inside, the warmth of the interior makes you feel right at home, as the bar envelops you in a comforting embrace.

The walls, weathered by time and countless conversations, exude a rustic wooden charm. Dim lighting casts a soft glow, revealing the worn edges and details of the bar counter, wooden bar stools and tables. Behind the bar, shelves cradle a large collection of bottles, mostly Belgian quality beers. Each one, a memory waiting to be poured.

This bar is a sanctuary, where time slows, and worries fade. It’s where strangers become friends, and stories, new and old, are told with your favourite glass of beer in hand. 🍻

Pricing

The pricing is reasonable and competitive to other businesses in the area. Do note that Belgian beers are typically more expensive in countries outside the EU Schengen Zone, because of export/import fees and extra taxes. For reference, A Westmalle Trippel 33cl was priced ₩11000 (€7.53); The same beer would be priced around 4 to 6 Euros in Belgian cafés. Taking into account import, this would be a reasonable price.

I once ordered a portion of mixed nuts for about €4.79; quite expensive, you mights think, but it was a sizable portion. Usually in Belgium when ordering a beer, you get a portion of nuts of some sorts, like salted peanuts, for free with your drink. The portion you get there was 5 to 6 times that amount, so I get why they priced it. However, it would be better to reduce the portion size to about a handful, instead of a whole bowl and consider it as service (calculate it within the price of the beer if necessary).

My Order(s)

There’s no total, since these are spanned across multiple orders on several visits during my stay there.

• Westmalle Tripple: €7.53
• St. Bernardus Wit: ?? (data missing, I probably paid in cash)
• Portion of Mixed Nuts: €4.79

Review Scores (★★★★★ 4.9)

Category: (Fast/Street-food, Café/Bar, Casual, Niche, Fine-Dining, Michelin)

• Location: ★★★★★ (5)
• Reception & Service: ★★★★★ (5)
• Interior, Cosiness & Cleanliness: ★★★★★ (5)
• Quality of Foods and Drinks: ★★★★★ (5)
• Pricing: ★★★★☆ (4.5)

My Verdict

Should you avoid this place? ,
Should you consider it? ,
Should you short-list this place? , or
Should you go right ahead and visit this place?

⭐ I think you should go right ahead and visit this place. ⭐

If you enjoy Belgian beers, you can’t pass by this place and not go inside, particularly as a Belgian visiting Seoul, you’ll find something to your taste, even though they don’t have every single popular Belgian beer on the menu. I, myself, occasionally drink a beer and was intrigued enough to stop by.

Links and other sources

• Instagram: @nuba_seoul
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pubnuba
• My Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7w8efRsRF_

Disclaimers

I declare that this review is an unbiased personal account, not influenced by the pub’s owner or local people. I received no sponsorship or affiliation rewards from any products, establishments, or brands featured in this post, images or associated video (if any).

All images are created by myself, all rights are reserved.