Cyworld
Cyworld (Korean: 싸이월드) is a South Korean social network service. Cyworld was originally part of SK communication, and became an independent company in 2014. Members cultivate relationships by forming Ilchon (Korean: 일촌, Hanja: 一寸) or "friendships" with each other through their minihompy. Avatars and "mini-rooms" (small, decoratable, apartment-like spaces in an isometric projection) are features of the service, which can make for a Sims-like experience.
Type of site | Social network service |
|---|---|
| Available in | Korean, Chinese, English, German, Japanese, Spanish, Vietnamese |
| Owner | CyworldZ |
| URL | cyworld.com (Korea) |
| Cyworld | |
| Hangul | 싸이월드 |
|---|---|
| Revised Romanization | Ssaiwoldeu |
| McCune–Reischauer | Ssaiwŏltŭ |
| Stable release | |
|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS, Android |
| Website | cyworld |
The "Cy" in Cyworld can mean "cyber", but is also a pun on the Korean word for relationship (Korean: 사이 'between').
Cyworld is a rough equivalent to MySpace of the United States, with the main difference being that revenue is generated through the sale of dotori (Korean: 도토리), or acorns, which can be used to purchase virtual goods, such as background music, pixelated furniture, and virtual appliances.
Cyworld also has operations in China and Vietnam.