35 minutes of strange silence in South Korea: A lesson on how society treats its young generation

On the morning of November 13, more than 550,000 Korean candidates took the annual College Admission Test (CSAT). What caught the world’s attention was that during the 35-minute English listening section, all of Korea almost… stopped breathing.

From 13:05 to 13:40 (local time), all daily activities, traffic, and even military training in Korea were suspended to give absolute quiet space to the candidates. Planes did not take off or land, buses and trains slowed down and did not honk, construction sites stopped, the army temporarily stopped artillery training... Nowhere in the world has there been such a "moment of national silence".

A candidate arriving at the exam site is cheered on by younger students. Photo: Korea Times

Special rules on "nation's day"

The Korean College Entrance Examination, or Suneung, has long been considered the nation’s exam. The results of this exam not only determine which university a candidate can enter, but also influence future career opportunities, income levels and social status.

In this exam, there is a 35-minute English listening section, which is the most sensitive time. To ensure that no sound distracts the candidates, the Korean government has issued a series of strict regulations:

Airplanes "keep quiet in the sky" : All international and domestic airports stop taking off and landing during this time. Flights preparing to land are forced to circle and hold an altitude of about 3,000m to avoid noise transmission to the ground.

Traffic and construction sites "rest" : Buses and trains slow down and stop honking. Construction sites stop working completely: Cranes, drills, excavators... are silent.

Even the military has suspended artillery training. These regulations help to minimize noise and vibration, ensuring candidates have the best environment to take the test.

Candidates in the exam room. Photo: Joint Press Corps

The whole country is ready to stop

To the world , the fact that a country of 51 million people would stop working just to let candidates take an English listening test may seem surprising. But to Koreans, this is a sign of respect and concern for the younger generation. Because to them:

Education is a top priority : A good university opens up career opportunities, high salaries and stable social status.

Social solidarity for education : People, even those not directly involved, remain silent.

Respect the candidate's efforts : They have studied and trained for 12 years and adults want to make sure that effort is not hindered by noise or distractions.

During the 35 minutes of silence, major cities such as Seoul, Busan, Incheon… suddenly became unusually quiet. Vehicles drove slowly, did not honk, pedestrians limited their footsteps; coffee shops turned off music, and offices limited noise. From residential areas near the exam school to the city center, everyone kept silent, just like in hospitals or libraries.

This moment creates a sacred space where candidates can fully concentrate on the test. In the exam room, teachers and invigilators move gently, handing out questions quickly and accurately.

A mother hugs her daughter to encourage her before she takes the exam. Photo: Korea Times

Outside the school gate, many parents held signs of encouragement such as "Keep going, child", "Parents always believe in you", "What you have prepared for 12 years is for today". They stood waiting, worried but full of hope, creating spiritual motivation for their children.

Police forces deploy motorbikes to patrol and clear the way for candidates to get to school when necessary, ensuring they arrive on time and safely. This image has become a humane symbol of each exam season.

Businesses are willing to adjust work schedules. Many companies in Seoul and other major cities are allowing employees to work late, work remotely, or reschedule meetings to reduce congestion and make it easier for candidates to travel.

A moment of silence that makes the world admire

International media called this "A rare moment of national unity", "One of the most beautiful social rituals in the world" or "A symbol of Korea's educational spirit".

Police cars take candidates to the exam site. Photo: Korea Times

The 35 minutes of silence have become a living symbol of the Korean educational spirit. That is:

Absolute priority for the young generation : A modern country, with the fastest pace of life in Asia, is still willing to stop all activities to ensure that students have the best exam environment.

Social solidarity for education : From people, parents, teachers, to police and army, all work together to create the best conditions for students.

The university entrance exam is an educational festival : Not only is it a pressure for candidates, but it is also an opportunity for the whole society to join together, proving that education is as important as national development.

A model for the world : When international media reported on it, they highlighted this as a rare social etiquette that demonstrates how a country values ​​the knowledge, efforts and future of its students.

The story of 35 minutes of silence is not only about an exam, but also a lesson about how society treats the young generation. That society respects the efforts of each student, all people understand that education is the foundation of the future and work together to create the best conditions for the young generation to develop.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/35-phut-im-lang-ky-la-o-han-quoc-bai-hoc-ve-cach-xa-hoi-doi-xu-voi-the-he-tre-2462424.html