-건만 means "but" or "however" - literary form expressing contrast.
Unfulfilled expectation - 열심히 했건만 실패했다 (worked hard but failed)
Regret/disappointment - Despite efforts, result was different
Literary tone - More formal than -지만
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Written/literary style
Often expresses disappointment
Contracted from -거늘 + 만
I did my best, but the result wasnt good.
The parents raised their child with love, but the son does not appreciate their heart.
The weather is clear, but my heart is still gloomy.
I told him several times, but he repeats the same mistake.
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