▲ Proposed Aerial View of the Main Gate of CWNU (Source: CWNU Waagle)

Beginning August 5th, CWNU blocked the main front gate roadway and redirected the traffic system to a new bypass road around the main stadium. The university’s Facilities Department stated that this measure prioritizes students’ safety during commuting hours. A park will be created on the closed road, and in collaboration with Changwon City, a five- story sports and cultural complex called ‘Arena Flex’ will be built on the site of the former free parking lot.

Concerns about the disruption of students’ right to study and their safety due to vehicles passing through the campus have been emerging for a long time. In December 1996, when the announcement that National Route 25 could be passing behind the campus was made, students and faculty members of the university held protests against the project. They feared that this route would lead to an increase in vehicles passing through the campus. National Route 25 connects Jinhae, Changwon, Gimhae, extending all the way to Cheongju in Chungcheongbuk- do, making it a very busy route for vehicles commuting to and from Changwon’s inner and outer areas. Eventually, when National Route 25 opened in 2004, the north gate was installed, providing direct access to roads. Consequently, many vehicles began bypassing congested roads by cutting through campus to enter downtown Changwon. In 2014, when the interchange connecting National Route 25 to KTX Changwon Jungang Station opened, the number of vehicles passing through the campus increased even more. In response, CWNU tried to impose a 1,000 KRW safety fee to protect students’ rights to study as well as safety, but failed, due to the locals’ disagreement to abide by it.

According to the Parking Management Office of General Affairs at CWNU, approximately 2.3 million vehicles entered the campus last year. Of these, 1.4 million vehicles, accounting for 61%, were identified as “through traffic,” passing through the campus in under 10 minutes. Concerns have been rising, particularly because 80% of these vehicles pass through during peak commuting hours, causing significant inconvenience for students. In response, the university has begun working on a fundamental solution to this issue.

CWNU plans to carry out an environmental improvement project centered around the ‘Arena Flex’ on the site of the blocked main gate road. Arena Flex, scheduled for completion by 2030, will be a multi- purpose cultural space featuring various facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, pop- up stores, exhibition halls, indoor tennis courts, a fitness center, a design square, and a rooftop cafe. It will be open not only to students but also to city locals. Additionally, the university plans to create a park on the main gate road, providing students with a comfortable relaxation area. The university’s Facilities Department stated, “The closure of the main gate is the first step toward achieving two goals: ensuring student safety and creating the highest quality cultural space in Gyeongnam.”

As construction on the main gate area progresses, students’ expectations are also growing. Park Jun- hyung, a senior in the Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, shared his thoughts: "As a driver myself, I support the closure of the main gate. I’m looking forward to the increased safety for students and pedestrians due to the reduction in through traffic." President Park Min- won emphasized on CWNU’s YouTube channel, "There have been two major accidents at the university. No matter the inconvenience, safety is the top priority. Preventing ‘through traffic’ on campus is our most urgent task."

In addition to the closure of the main gate, CWNU is making various efforts to enhance campus safety. In July, the university installed a "Smart Crosswalk Signal" with LED lights in front of the main entrance of the university library, improving visibility and pedestrian safety. Going forward, CWNU plans to prioritize student safety while also renovating the main gate, which serves as the face of the university, to foster a sense of pride among the campus community.

By Kim Min-seong, reporter  20221240@gs.cwnu.ac.kr

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