Getting to Know Korea's Suneung, the UTBK-Level Exam That Halts Flights Temporarily

Suneung is an annual national exam that determines whether a student can enter top universities in Korea such as Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, KAIST, and others. For many Korean students, success in Suneung is not just about academics, but also about social status, future career, and even opportunities in personal relationships. Therefore, this exam is often regarded as the "most determining day in a person's life."

Suneung is usually held every mid-November, specifically on the second Thursday of November. The South Korean government sets this date nationally and ensures it does not clash with other major events. The exam takes place simultaneously across the country, from Seoul to small islands, and is conducted in various high schools that have been specifically designated as exam locations.

To be able to take the Suneung, students must have completed upper secondary education or be in their final year of high school. Many participants are "resitters," meaning they graduated the previous year but are trying again to achieve a higher score. There is no age limit, but official registration and meeting administrative requirements from the government are certainly necessary.

The subjects tested in the Suneung include Korean Language, Mathematics, English Language, Social Studies, Natural Sciences, and an additional Foreign Language (usually Japanese, Mandarin, German, French, etc.). The difficulty level of the questions is very high, even much more complex compared to regular school exams. For example, the Mathematics and Korean Language questions in the Suneung are known to "trap" participants with answer choices that are almost similar. For Mathematics, students must choose between the "Mathematics A" track (more basic) or "Mathematics B" (more complex, including calculus). Each question is designed to truly test logical sharpness, precision, and thinking speed.

Before the Suneung takes place, the atmosphere in Korea changes completely. Students spend months at hagwons (private tutoring centers) studying late into the night, with some studying 15 hours a day. As the exam approaches, many students and parents go to temples to pray for smoothness. There is also a tradition of sending tteok (sticky rice cake) as a symbol of "sticking good luck." The night before the exam, students usually go to bed early, and families ensure that the house is quiet.

On the day of Suneung, the entire Korean community participates. Offices open later to reduce traffic congestion and ensure that test-takers can arrive on time. Police are stationed on the roads to assist late students, and domestic flights are even rescheduled or temporarily halted during the English listening session to prevent airplane noise from disrupting concentration. Car horns, construction work, and other loud noises are prohibited during the exam hours.

The results of Suneung are one of the main requirements for entering higher education in Korea. Top universities have very high minimum score thresholds. Students with outstanding scores will receive many opportunities, ranging from full scholarships to better job prospects after graduation. Conversely, failure in Suneung can mean having to retake the exam for another year, or completely changing life plans.

Due to this immense pressure, Suneung has a significant impact on society and students. Many students experience severe stress, depression, and some even take extreme measures due to feelings of failure. The government and schools are now increasingly providing counseling services to alleviate mental pressure during the exam period.

There are several unique facts that make Suneung different from other tests in the world. For example, in addition to halting flights, the surrounding community voluntarily maintains a quiet environment, and the media reports on Suneung as a national headline. This exam is also considered a "sacred day of education" in South Korea.

When compared to the UTBK in Indonesia, both are indeed crucial for entering higher education. However, UTBK is more flexible; participants can take the exam more than once through different pathways, and there are no significant changes in the surrounding community during the UTBK period. Compared to the SAT in the United States, the SAT is also more flexible and is offered several times a year, while Suneung is only held once a year and becomes a national moment.