-아/어 봤자 — even if, regardless, if

This expression is used to indicate that there's no use even trying what is stated in the preceding clause or that doing so would not live up to expectations. It is used to refer to something that has not occurred yet as a form of supposition.

Details

1. This expression is also used to indicate that what is stated in the preceding clause is not that great or noteworthy.

그 일이 어려워 봤자 지난번 일보다는 쉬울 거예요. 며칠 안에 끝낼 수 있으니까 걱정하지 마세요.

Even if the task is difficult it should be easier than the last one. You can finish it in a few days, so don't worry.

아이가 밥을 먹어 봤자 얼마나 많이 먹겠어요? 그냥 먹고 싶은 대로 먹게 가만 둡시다.

The child won't eat a lot of food anyway, so let's just let him/her eat what he/she wants.

2. Past tense forms cannot come before or after -아/어 봤자.

여기에서 거기까지 적어도 한 시간은 걸리니까 지금 갔 봤자 늦을 거예요. ✕

여기에서 거기까지 적어도 한 시간은:걸리니까 가 봤자 늦었어요. ✕

3. However, the form -아/어 봤자 -았/었을 거예요 can be used when supposing what likely happened in a past situation.

가: 양강 씨에게 그때 그 일을 하지 말라고 얘기했어야 되는데 안 한 게 후회가 돼요.

I should have told Yang Gang not to do that back then, and now I regret not doing so.

나: 그때 얘기해 봤자 듣지 않았을 거예요. 더 이상 신경 쓰지 마세요.

He wouldn't have listened to you even if you had told him back then. Please don't worry about it any more.

Kimchi Reader

Indicates that even if the first clause is true, it is no use or ineffective. The second clause is negative and often expresses a reason that the first clause is in vain.