SEOUL – South Korea’s nationwide college entrance exam, the “Suneung,” brought the country to a standstill on Thursday as more than 550,000 students sat for the high-stakes test. To ensure smooth proceedings, flights were temporarily halted for 35 minutes, and banks and public offices delayed opening by an hour.
Students arrived early at exam centres amid heavy police presence and media coverage. Junior students cheered the test-takers, holding encouraging signs, while anxious parents visited temples and shrines to pray for their children’s success. Superstitions, such as avoiding seaweed soup for lunch, continue to influence test-day rituals.
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The Suneung is widely regarded as a gateway to social mobility, economic security, and even favorable marriage prospects. Kim Min-jae, 18, said he was nervous but well-prepared, while noting his parents were even more anxious. Nationwide, 140 flights, including 75 international services, were rescheduled to minimize disruptions during the English listening test.
This year, the college admissions process will also consider students’ history of school violence, marking the first time that all four-year universities must factor in such records. In previous cycles, it was only a recommendation, and some applicants were rejected due to past bullying incidents.
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Despite the pressure, students continue to approach the Suneung with determination, while families and communities rally around them in support, highlighting the unique cultural importance of the exam in South Korea.