In the Netherlands, there is legal state-regulated prostitution system. In that country, drug use and abortion are legal and permissible. So, some people struggle with addiction. Most of the world expects a place with these laws would have high rates of drug use, prostitution, and abortion. But, that is not true. After the state-regulated prostitution system was enacted, the rate of sex crimes fell significantly. The legal system is well-regulated and its citizens maintain its upkeep. In the Netherlands, people enjoy freedom under a systematic legal system.
Of course, comparing state-regulated prostitution to a prohibition law on a college campus may be an exaggeration, but the essence of the situation is the same. In the Netherlands, the Parliament could have been threatened with apprehension if it banned prostitution. The public felt the sex trade would be forced underground and this would leave a less safe environment. On the other hand, our country is thinking of placing a prohibition law against drinking on college campus. Do you see the difference between the Netherlands and South Korea? There is a strong possibility that drinking will keep taking place on campus despite the ban─and now the act will be criminalized.
Alcohol is an integral part of college student culture. For example, there is the Makgeolli Garden where students enjoy Makgeolli at Chungnam National University and the Green Hof where students enjoy beer at Korea National University of Education. These days, drinking culture is symbolic of each university. The Prohibition law against drinking alcohol on campus undermines this culture.
Dept. of Business Administration
By Choi Ji-young
Dept. of Philosophy
A Ban on Drinking on Campus could be a Violation of Human Rights 
Who has not heard about “Makgeolli Dongsan?” Who has not participated in “Makgeolli Dongsan?” As Chungnam National University students, Makgeolli Dongsan literally means the garden of drinking Makgeolli. Everyone must have participated in Mak-Dong celebrations at least once.
However, we can just drink Coke on campus. Why? The law prohibiting drinking alcohol on campus is in discussion. It is said that there are several reasons for prohibiting drinking alcohol on campus.
There have reportedly been accidents related to excessive drinking on-campus. For example, there is a story of a person who got too drunk and drowned in the Joong-Jung Won. But, is drinking on campus serious enough to be prohibited? My answer is “No.” As written in bills, drinking could take place anytime or anywhere. Besides, except for the University festival, we usually Makgeolli (rice wine), which includes less alcohol than Soju or beer.
More attention should be paid to drinking off campus. People who are in favor of prohibition of drinking on campus insist that we abolish old conventions and break down the culture of forced drinking, vertical separation of powers, etc. However, those problems are no longer serious. Now, we drink in an atmosphere of freedom between seniors and freshmen, and so on. Even if those problems still existed, the law wouldn't be a good solution.
By Kang Ha-jeong
Dept. of Business Administration