Korea Enters "Silent Mode" Nationwide on College Entrance Exam Day
The South Korean Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport jointly announced a series of nationwide measures to ensure absolute silence and smooth conduct on November 13, the day of the national college entrance examination (commonly known as "Suneung"). As one of the most important annual exams in the country, the exam day not only impacts the transportation and education systems but also affects several industries, including aviation, finance, and public services.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Transport, all domestic and international flights will be suspended from 1:05 p.m. to 1:40 p.m., totaling 35 minutes. This period coincides with the English listening test, one of the most crucial and sensitive parts of the Korean college entrance exam. To prevent noise disturbances, the government requires that airports across the nation halt takeoff and landing operations, ensuring the optimal environment for the listening tests inside exam halls.
140 Flights Adjusted, Flight Plans Completely Rescheduled
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated that approximately 140 domestic and international flights will be affected on that day. Civil aviation authorities have preemptively coordinated with major airlines such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines to reschedule flight plans, ensuring operational safety and minimizing inconvenience to passengers.
Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport in Seoul will be the focal points for these adjustments. The Ministry emphasized that air traffic control will maintain order during the suspension period, ensuring that all flights complete their planned journeys smoothly. After the suspension, flights will gradually resume takeoffs and landings.
Industry insiders say this measure reflects Korean society's high regard for the college entrance exam. Over the past 20 years, Korea has employed the "no-fly order" during the English listening tests, forming a unique "Exam Day No-Fly" tradition.
Financial Markets Delay Opening by One Hour
In addition to aviation adjustments, the Korea Exchange will also modify financial market operations for the day. According to a market announcement, the opening and closing times of the Korean stock and foreign exchange markets will each be delayed by one hour on November 13.
Specifically, the securities market, originally scheduled to open at 9 a.m., will open at 10 a.m., with the closing time correspondingly postponed to 4:30 p.m. The foreign exchange market trading hours will be adjusted similarly. The Korea Exchange stated this move aims to "reduce traffic pressure during the morning rush on exam day," preventing candidates from facing delays during their commute.
Financial regulators noted that although the time adjustment is short, it reflects the Korean government's policy to "clear the way for examinees" for the entire society.
National Mobilization for Exam Highlights Intense Educational Competition
The Korean university entrance exam is viewed as a pivotal point in students' lives, with over 500,000 candidates participating nationwide. On the exam day, Korean society nearly enters an "exam mode"—public agencies delay start times, businesses encourage telecommuting, public transport extends operations, and even police cars and subways partake in "escorting students" actions.
During the English listening test period, in addition to flight suspensions, noise sources such as construction sites, building operations, and commercial area broadcasts are also strictly limited. The police and local governments will send patrols to ensure a quiet, disturbance-free testing environment.
Traditional Continuation and Social Consensus
The "Silent Mode" measure for college entrance exams has been in place for over 30 years in Korea and is considered part of the national consensus. Education experts point out that this exam culture of nationwide mobilization, while highly pressuring, simultaneously reflects Korean society's respect for fair competition and educational opportunities.
Public opinion in Korea generally believes suspending flights and adjusting the financial market, though inconvenient, is the most direct support for examinees. Many netizens commented on social media: "The nation goes silent for you, the gentlest support."
Outlook and Summary
The flight and market adjustments for this exam day once again underscore the Korean government's systemic support for the education system. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated that they would evaluate flight operations and market adjustments' effects after the exam and continue optimizing future exam day coordination mechanisms.
Analysts believe that this "national exam-protection model" highlights not only the significance of education but also the highly organized operational capability of Korean society. From the sky to the ground and from financial exchanges to streets, the entire society pauses for a common goal, becoming one of Korea's unique cultural symbols.
