From March 24, the operation of speed gates in all dormitories began. The installation of speed gates in all dorms took place during the winter semester. Previously, students only needed to pass the main door to enter or exit dorms, which could be opened with student ID cards when entering and did not require the ID card when exiting. From now on, however, students have to tag their ID cards to pass the speed gates after entering or before exiting the main entrance of the dorms. The Student Life Team explained that the speed gates were installed to “strengthen security measures in dorms, prevent student accidents, and restrict outsiders from entering”.

The speed gates are narrow enough for only one person to pass and close very quickly. Before the speed gates were installed, it was not infrequent to see or hear incidents of students from other dorms, or even those who do not attend KAIST, entering other dormitories to visit their friends. It has been relatively easy to enter the wide entrance along with someone who has an ID card. Moreover, in 2019, there had been complaints about outsiders entering student dormitories to use restrooms during the cherry blossom seasons, and accordingly, requests to install speed gates. Prohibiting outsiders is also of great importance during the pandemic. Contact with outsiders visiting campus, which is very difficult to track and control, can pose safety concerns. The installation was overseen by the Committee of Student Life and discussed with the Dormitory Council for over a year.