Used to express that if one must do something undesirable, it would be better to do something else instead. The bound noun 바 means "thing/matter" and 에야 is a conditional particle meaning "if it comes to that".

• •Preference: "그렇게 할 바에야 안 하는 게 나아요" (Rather than doing it that way, it's better not to do it)
• •Alternative: "볼 바에야 책을 읽겠어요" (Rather than watching, I'd read a book)
• •Often followed by 차라리 (rather) for emphasis