The annual College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT), or Suneung, traditionally takes place in the month of November. This year around 550,000 young Korean students appeared for this exam on November 13, to secure admission to universities of their choice. They face enormous pressure to perform well, as this exam determines the future of the applicant to a great extent. This year the number of applicants was higher than usual due to the demographic bulge of students born in 2007. This year is referred to as the year of the “Golden Pig.” Koreans believe that children born in the year of the Golden Pig are destined to become wealthy and successful. Since this kind of special year comes only once every 600 years, around 497,000 babies were born in 2007. The 8-hour-long exam has six-sections, which include compulsory subjects like Korean and English, alongside key electives in math and sciences/humanities that determine a student’s university major. Each university and major sets its own minimum required score or percentile cutoff. Prominent universities such as Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) require extremely high percentiles.
The whole country implements various measures to ensure the successful execution of the exam. The government adjusts work hours of government offices, businesses and the stock market by delaying their opening by one hour to reduce rush-hour traffic. This measure aims to ensure that the test-takers reach their exam centers on time. In addition, all takeoffs and landings at the airport are halted to maintain silence, especially during the 35-minute-long English listening comprehension section. On top of that, every sort of noise-producing activity such as construction work, military drills etc., was suspended for the day. Those who were running late were provided motorcycles or patrol car escorts by policemen and volunteer groups. The exam is approximately 8 hours long, and to prevent cases of cheating, test-takers are tested at non-home schools and electronic devices are strictly banned at the exam centers.
In Korea, the Suneung (CSAT) is not just a big deal for students, but it is equally emotionally overwhelming for parents. They are concerned about this test because their children’s university often influences future job prospects, social standing and future marriage prospects as well. During the Suneung exam, parents participate in numerous activities to ensure their child’s success. They gather outside the testing centers to pray and many visit nearby places of worship such as Buddhist temples and churches. A lot of parents follow a “routine” that is synchronized with their children’s test routine. They pray according to the times of each test section; some people fast, while some eat lunch during their children’s lunch break, and some stay silent during the listening part of the exam.
The Suneung is not just an individual challenge; it is a national mission which illustrates Korea’s collective unity and support for its future generation. The implementation of various measures to ensure successful execution of the exam act as a show of gratitude for students’ hard work. Therefore, the Suneung signifies a powerful embodiment of the national commitment to development and growth of the nation.
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