Domain vs hosting: what's the difference and who buys them?

A domain is an internet address like "ourstore.com", and hosting is the place where the website files shown at that address are stored. You need both for your website to open. It is safest to buy the domain in your own name (account), and it is usually easier to leave hosting to your web agency.

Always buy the domain in your own name

A domain is like your shop sign, so who owns it matters. If it is bought under the agency's account, you may not be able to take the address back if you change agencies or lose touch with them later. Create your own account with a domain registrar (such as Gabia or Hosting.kr) and buy it with that account. Your agency can guide you through the connection settings (DNS). ISSYMO works this way too.

Why is it easier to hand over hosting?

Hosting means keeping the server running, applying security updates, and keeping the site up when traffic spikes. Doing it yourself means checking every month, and when something goes wrong it is hard to find the cause. ISSYMO includes hosting and domain renewal in the maintenance subscription (Landing KRW 50,000/month, custom features from KRW 100,000/month), so there is nothing extra to look after.

What happens if you miss a renewal?

• If you miss the domain renewal, your website won't open, and after a while someone else can buy the address. Turn on auto-renewal.
• If hosting stops, the address still exists but shows a blank screen. If you've left maintenance to us, we notice first and fix it.
• If the security certificate (SSL) expires, browsers show "Not secure". These days most hosting renews it automatically.

The domain in your name, hosting with someone you trust. Stick to these two and your website will almost never wake you up at night.