싼 게 비지떡이다.

The Korean proverb '싼 게 비지떡이다' (ssan ge bijitteogida) literally translates to 'cheap things are bean curd dregs cake.' This saying originates from a time when '비지떡' (bijitteok), a cake made from the leftover dregs of soybeans after making tofu, was considered a very cheap and low-quality food. It was often eaten by the poor or during times of scarcity. The term '싼 게' (ssan ge) means 'that which is cheap.' The phrase combines these elements to convey the idea that something acquired at a low price is often of inferior quality or not as good as expected. This proverb reflects a common human experience across cultures, where a low price is often indicative of compromised quality. It serves as a warning against being swayed solely by cheapness, suggesting that one might end up with something unsatisfactory or even useless. The proverb has been in use for a considerable period, likely dating back several centuries, and continues to be a widely understood and applied piece of folk wisdom in Korea.