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. 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.