Korea is looking to find ways to stop draft dodgers by offering alternative service:

In Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve for at least 24 months in the military, but some manage to avoid this by exploiting a number of minor loopholes.

Seoul plans to establish some guidelines by the end of this year for possibly running an alternative military system to accommodate those who are “conscientious objectors” for religious reasons. There is now an estimated 3,200 objectors. When they are called up for military service, they usually opt to serve a prison term.

In May 2000, Taiwan introduced a European-style alternative military system in which conscientious objectors are obliged to work for police, environmental protection or cultural, athletic and public administration services for at least 18 months.

“We have yet to have guidelines on the alternative system. We will gather public opinions and other data to establish some principles on the system by the end of this year,” an MMA official said.

How come I have a feeling the amount of “conscientious objectors” will go through the roof if the ROK Army offers this alternative service system instead of serving in conventional army and police units?  Korea may suddenly find themselves with an army of athletics directors and environmentalists.

I have a better idea for the Korean government, how about they actually pay these soldiers decent salaries and improve working and living conditions?  Maybe then people wouldn’t try so hard to avoid military service.