South Korea bans planes from taking off and landing for college entrance exams

More than 500,000 candidates in Korea registered to take the university entrance exam taking place today, November 16.

Yonhap news agency reported that about 500,000 candidates in South Korea took the university entrance exam today, November 16, when authorities banned planes from taking off and landing to prevent candidates from being distracted while taking the test.

Specifically, planes are banned from taking off and landing from 13:05 to 13:40 (local time) nationwide, to avoid making noise during the English listening test.

All aircraft in the air, except in emergency situations, must continue to fly at an altitude of 3 km or more during the above time. The operating schedules of 94 flights have also been adjusted during this time frame.

The morning rush hour for Seoul's enhanced subway services has been increased from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., to help test takers arrive at test centers on time. In addition, bus services have also been improved.

Police cars and government officials were also on hand to help test takers get to their test sites on time. Government offices and ward offices in Seoul started working an hour later than usual, starting at 10 a.m., to ease traffic congestion.

Volunteer motorbike takes a candidate to the exam site in Seoul

Officials said operating hours for South Korea's stock exchange and foreign exchange markets will also be delayed by an hour, starting at 10 a.m.

A total of 504,588 candidates registered to take the College Entrance Examination (CSAT) this year in Korea. The nine-hour exam was held in five sessions at 1,279 locations across the country.

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, candidates who are sick or suspected of being sick will be allowed to take the exam in the same room as those who are not sick. In the previous three exams, candidates infected with Covid-19 had to take the exam in separate rooms.

Police car takes a candidate to the exam site in Seoul

Additionally, the mask mandate has been lifted, although mask wearing is strongly recommended for those with or suspected of having Covid-19. These candidates are also advised to go to their own rooms to eat during the lunch break.

The CSAT is held on the third Thursday of November every year and is one of the most important exams in the country, seen as the culmination of years of hard work, with many students eager to get into top universities.

The results of the once-a-year test are considered by many students and parents to be one of the key factors in determining college admission and career paths throughout their lives.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/han-quoc-cam-may-bay-cat-va-ha-canh-de-thi-sinh-thi-tuyen-sinh-dai-hoc-185231116102131999.htm