Lights of the Security Office in the Annex Library



Every member of the SeoulTech university staff plays an important role in keeping the university running smoothly. In this article, The SeoulTech turns its attention to those who quietly protect our campus day and night: the security guards responsible for the library and university buildings. A total of five security guards work around the clock, patrolling and monitoring the Central Library and the Annex Library. Junho Kim, the chief guard, kindly agreed to an interview to share information about the security staffs’ duties and responsibilities.

Most of the members of SeoulTech—students, staff, and faculty—spend their time on campus from morning to evening, with some staying overnight. However, whether people notice or not, some individuals remain on duty at all hours to ensure campus safety.

University Buildings Around the Clock

Five security guards work in shifts that run from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. the following day. The team rotates to manage three security offices continuously over a 24-hour period. Below is an interview with Junho Kim, the chief guard, explaining the details of their work.

Q. What are your main duties?

A. Basically, we monitor the library gates to ensure students can enter without difficulty. When students scan their ID cards, we verify their information through the system. We also prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the library. In addition, when students with overdue books scan their ID cards, the system blocks their entry. In such cases, we inform them of the issue and deny entry until the books are returned.



Another important duty is patrolling. We are responsible for four main areas: Eoui Hall, International Hall, Boongeobang Pond, and the Student Union Bldg.1. During patrols, we check for anything unusual. For example, sometimes students or professors leave lecture rooms without turning off the air conditioners or closing the windows. We handle those situations as well.

We also respond to campus emergencies. If an emergency occurs, we cooperate closely with SECOM and the Central Control Room to respond quickly and appropriately.

Q. Thank you for always looking out for the SeoulTech community. Is there any difference between working on weekdays and weekends or holidays?

A. We follow a fixed patrol schedule, and each patrol usually takes about an hour or longer. On weekends and holidays, we conduct patrols more frequently. Since there are fewer people on campus during those times, the likelihood of unusual situations increases, so additional attention is required.

Q. Your work plays an important role in maintaining campus safety, yet many students may not fully recognize this. What moments make this job worthwhile for you?

A. There are many worthwhile moments indeed. While I am sitting at the security office monitoring the gates, some students make eye contact with me and greet me with a smile. Occasionally, students even give me coffee or small gifts. Those simple gestures make me feel appreciated.



Let me share one memorable story. There was a student who studied at the library almost every day. One day, he came to see me and gave me a beverage set as a gift, saying that he had gotten a job. Moments like that remind me why this work is meaningful.

Q. Is there anything you want to say to the students?

A. When I am looking at the gate, some students—usually two— try to pass through the gate at the same time because they think opening the QR code app is a hassle. But I would say this is quite dangerous. If you try to enter in this way, you might get caught in the acrylic door, which can cause injuries. So I want to ask students not to pass through the gate more than one person at a time, for their safety.

One of the remaining four guards also gave us his thoughts on these two questions. He said that ensuring students’ safety on campus is itself the most worthwhile part of the job. When asked what he wanted to say to the students, he mentioned two things. First, he asked students to check the library’s opening hours to avoid making a wasted trip. He added that some students had pushed the locked door, causing damage that required repairs. The second point was about conservation. He asked students to help save energy by closing the door when entering and exiting and to use restroom tissues only as needed.

The Quiet Guardians of SeoulTech

Campus safety is often taken for granted. The well-lit buildings, libraries, and calm nights are made possible by people who work behind the scenes. As students pass through library gates or study late into the night, the security guards of SeoulTech continue their watch without recognition or applause.

The SeoulTech hopes this article offers students a chance to pause and acknowledge the hidden heroes who protect our campus every day. They ensure that SeoulTech remains a safe place for learning and growth.

Reporters

Seongbeom Hong

hongsb@seoultech.ac.kr

Hyeonseon Namgung

namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍성범

• 직책 :
• e-mail : hongsb@seoultech.ac.kr

남궁현선 기자

• 직책 :
• e-mail : namgung0121@seoultech.ac.kr