South Korea suspended flights nationwide for 35 minutes to ensure silence during the English listening section of its high-stakes university entrance exam, taken by over 500,000 students.
On November 13, 2025, South Korea came to a near standstill as 554,174 students sat for the annual College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), known locally as Suneung. The test is considered a life-defining moment, determining access to top universities and future career paths. To support examinees, the government implemented extraordinary measures, including halting all flights across the country from 1:00 p.m. to 1:40 p.m., affecting 140 flights The Star.
Nationwide Pause for South Korea’s Most Important Test
South Korea’s commitment to academic excellence reached new heights as the country enacted sweeping measures to support students taking the CSAT. The test, which spans nine hours and includes subjects like Korean, mathematics, and English, is so pivotal that financial markets and government offices opened late, and traffic was rerouted to ensure students arrived on time The Kathmandu Post.
The English listening section, held in the early afternoon, prompted the temporary suspension of all aircraft takeoffs and landings, including at major hubs like Incheon International Airport. This measure was designed to eliminate noise disruptions that could affect students’ performance.
The number of test-takers this year was the highest in seven years, largely due to a birth surge in 2007, considered an auspicious year in Korean culture The Independent. Police escorts were deployed to help late-arriving students reach their exam centers, and parents gathered outside schools offering prayers and encouragement.
The CSAT’s influence extends beyond education—it shapes job prospects, social status, and even marriage opportunities. Critics argue that the pressure surrounding the exam contributes to mental health issues among youth, while supporters view it as a meritocratic gateway to success.
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