WIA CODE Launches a New World Connected by Knowledge… Heart- and Star-Shaped QR Code Challenge

WIA CODE, a new two-dimensional code developed by South Korean developer Dr. Yeon Sam-heum, has officially been unveiled. Unlike conventional square QR codes, WIA CODE is designed to connect digital content through a variety of shapes, including hearts, stars, and circles.

[The Korean Today] WIA CODE launches a new world connected by knowledge with heart- and star-shaped QR codes © Reporter Baek Chang-hee

WIA CODE aims to go beyond simply linking users to a web address. It is designed as a new “knowledge connection” tool that allows people around the world to share books, videos, educational materials, cultural content, publishing resources, and AI-based content.

The WIA CODE project also carries a symbolic message of gratitude toward the countries that supported South Korea during the Korean War, which began in 1950. Its goal is to carry that historical gratitude forward by sharing today’s Korean knowledge and technology with the world.

At a time when South Korea faced severe hardship, many nations extended support through combat troops, medical assistance, supplies, and other forms of aid. Now, the initiative seeks to share South Korea’s advances in technology, education, and knowledge content with the global community in a new way.

[The Korean Today] WIA CODE website guide screen © Reporter Baek Chang-hee

What Is WIA CODE? Moving Beyond Square QR Codes to Hearts and Stars

WIA CODE is a radially symmetric two-dimensional machine-readable code developed by South Korean developer Dr. Yeon Sam-heum.

According to technical materials introducing WIA CODE, the system is designed to recognize position based on a central core point. This allows its outer shape to move beyond the conventional square format and take on creative forms such as hearts and stars.

Users can enter the URL of content they wish to promote, then generate a code in the shape of their choice.

The range of content that can be connected is also broad. Users can link YouTube videos, blog posts, book introductions, educational materials, lectures, websites, creative works, online stores, and virtually any other content accessible through a URL.

For example, authors can connect their printed books to e-book pages or promotional sites, while instructors can link educational resources and lecture videos. Creators can connect their own media content, and institutions or organizations can use WIA CODE to provide access to educational, cultural, and promotional information.

WIA Book, also operated by WIA, provides AI-assisted writing, digital publishing, multilingual services, and accessibility features, with the aim of creating an environment where “anyone can freely publish and read.” When combined with WIA CODE, these services may provide a useful bridge between offline and online content.

“The Help South Korea Once Received, Now Shared with the World Through Knowledge”

Another key value emphasized by WIA CODE is “connection.”

The project remembers the history of countries around the world standing with South Korea during the Korean War in 1950 and carries forward the idea that South Korea can now share its knowledge and technology with the world.

In particular, if smartphones and similar devices can provide easy access to books and educational content linked through WIA CODE even in regions with limited access to education and information, the technology could become a new channel for global knowledge sharing.

WIA is pursuing a broader vision of improving access to knowledge through platforms that integrate education, publishing, language, and artificial intelligence. WIA Book currently provides publishing, reading, multilingual, and accessibility functions, while WIA Academy offers online education and certification programs.

“If the world stood with South Korea in 1950, now South Korea will stand with the world through knowledge.”

This statement summarizes the message WIA CODE seeks to convey.

[The Korean Today] How to participate in the WIA CODE Challenge © Reporter Baek Chang-hee

WIA CODE Launch Challenge Now Underway

The “WIA CODE Challenge,” which allows participants to create and share their own WIA CODEs, has also been launched.

Participation is simple.

First, users access the WIA CODE website, log in, and enter the URL of the content they want to promote.

Once a link to a video, blog, book, lecture, website, or other content is entered, a dedicated URL can be generated. Users can then select from various WIA CODE designs, including hearts and stars.

The generated code can be shared through social media, blogs, YouTube, messaging platforms, and other channels.

Participants then upload their WIA CODE to social media or another platform, copy the URL of the posted content, and submit that verification URL through the WIA CODE Challenge page.

[The Korean Today] Two WIA CODE Challenge benefits and examples © Reporter Baek Chang-hee

When sharing on social media, participants may use hashtags such as #wiacode #wiasoom #kor #wia to promote WIA CODE.

Challenge Participants Receive Korean Language Test and WIA SOOM Benefits

The WIA CODE Challenge also includes benefits for participants.

According to the challenge information materials, participants are offered eligibility to take the WIA Level 3 Korean Language Proficiency Test along with a free downloadable study workbook.

Korean language learners can use this opportunity to assess their proficiency and prepare for the next stage of learning.

Another benefit is a three-month free pass for WIA SOOM, valued at approximately USD 150.

WIA SOOM has been introduced as a platform connecting AI with development and work environments. According to its official introduction, it provides functions such as multiple AI agents, multilingual support, plugins, and server operation capabilities.

Through this challenge, participants are not only given an opportunity to create their own WIA CODE but are also connected to Korean language education and practical AI experiences.

[The Korean Today] QR code generated using WIA CODE © Reporter Baek Chang-hee

From a Single Book to Videos and Education… “Everything Connected Through One Code”

The potential applications of WIA CODE are also drawing attention in publishing and education.

A WIA CODE printed on a page of a physical book could connect readers to an e-book or an author’s video. In children’s picture books, it could also lead to music, audio narration, and hands-on activity materials.

Museums and exhibitions could use the code to provide artwork descriptions or multilingual information, while schools and lifelong education institutions could connect learning materials with video lectures.

Ultimately, the direction pursued by WIA CODE is not simply about changing the physical shape of a code.

Its deeper purpose lies in answering the question: “How can one person’s knowledge and story be connected to another person more easily and more naturally?”

Through education, publishing, language, and AI, WIA aims to create an environment in which people around the world can access and share knowledge and information more easily.

Remembering the period when South Korea grew with support from the international community, WIA CODE now seeks to share Korean knowledge and technology with the world.

A new attempt has begun—placing an entire book inside a heart-shaped code and connecting videos and education through a star-shaped code.

The message put forward by WIA CODE is clear.

“When knowledge is connected, opportunities grow. When knowledge is shared, the world becomes connected.”

The content we create and share can become the beginning of a new learning opportunity for someone else. Attention is now focused on whether WIA CODE can expand those small connections into a new global pathway for knowledge sharing.

Explore the WIA CODE website: https://wiacode.com/

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