The bench area in front of the College of Electrical & Computer Engineering (E8-7) was originally created as a resting space for students. However, despite being designated as a no-smoking zone, many students continue to smoke in this area, causing ongoing inconvenience to those passing through. Multiple no-smoking signs and slogans have been installed, yet violations persist.

  Kim Seo-ha (Dept. of Chemical Engineering, 24) said, “I have classes in E8-7 about three times a week, and I see people smoking there every time I pass by.” She added, “I have no choice but to walk through the bench area to move between buildings, so I am constantly exposed to second-hand smoke. I try to hold my breath, but I still end up inhaling some of the smoke.” Kim also noted that, “The area is often filled with smoke, and my clothes sometimes absorb the smell when I walk by.”

  Posts expressing similar concerns have been frequently uploaded to CBNU’s online community, Everytime, where students question why smoking continues despite banners and entrance signs clearly marking the area as non-smoking.

  There are designated smoking areas nearby—behind E8-3, near E8-6, and around the First and Second Engineering Buildings. Nevertheless, smoking in the E8-7 bench area continues. One student commented, “Until last year, that bench was a smoking zone, but it became a no-smoking area this year. When others are already smoking there, people just follow. Also, walking to the designated smoking areas takes time, which is inconvenient during short breaks. We need a designated smoking spot closer to E8-7.”

  According to Choi Jin-ho (Dept. of Environmental Engineering, 20), the president of the College of Engineering Student Council, “The bench area used to be a smoking zone, but it was reclassified as no-smoking after a School of Mechanical Engineering laboratory reported issues caused by cigarette smoke. The problem is that people are used to smoking there and find it inconvenient to walk to other smoking areas.” He added, “After discussions with the university administration, we agreed to maintain the bench area as a no-smoking zone while establishing a new smoking area near the E8-7 entrance. We also proposed installing a smoking booth rather than just a sign and a disposal bin, but the plan has been delayed due to budget constraints. We are planning additional anti-smoking campaigns in cooperation with the public health center.”

  An administrative staff member of the College of Engineering also noted, “At the college level, it is difficult to take active measures due to limited budget. Posting banners and signs alone cannot fully prevent smoking, so stronger intervention from the university is needed.”

  Campus smoking remains an urgent issue requiring immediate attention to protect students’ health and maintain a pleasant learning environment. Both administrative action and improved student awareness will be essential in creating a cleaner and healthier campus.