Attention is paid to the ban on takeoff and landing of aircraft and the absence of killer questions.
AFP “Stressing students due to excessive competition in education”
“In Korea, the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) is considered a means of receiving the promise of a high-paying job, high social status, and a successful marriage.”
On the 15th (local time), AFP reported this in an article titled ‘Koreans who stop taking off and landing aircraft to take tests.’
AFP said, “This test, which lasts for 9 hours, is very important for Korean students to secure a place at a top university,” and added, “Reflecting the importance of the test, the government is taking active measures to help test-takers focus on the test.” “I do it,” he explained.
AFP particularly paid attention to the fact that aircraft takeoffs and landings were completely prohibited in Korea from 1:05 to 1:40 p.m., the time of the English listening test.
Aircraft flying during this time are under the control of air traffic control and must be on emergency standby at an altitude of 3 km or more above the ground.
AFP explained, “Due to the test, more than 90 flights had to change their takeoff and landing schedules,” and “Government offices and major companies also delayed their work hours to prevent test takers from being late to the test site due to traffic congestion.”
He added, “The stock market also opened an hour later than usual,” adding, “Police cars and motorcycles sometimes pick up late test takers.”
It also presented government statistics showing that Korea’s household spending on private education in 2022 recorded 26 trillion won, a 10.8% increase from the previous year, and also noted that no overly difficult ‘killer questions’ were asked in this test.
He pointed out, “Korea’s excessive competition in education is putting tremendous pressure on students,” and “this is one of the reasons why Korea’s youth suicide rate is so high globally.”
A total of 504,588 students took the CSAT held on the 16th, which is 3,442 fewer than last year. Unlike the 2021-2023 school year CSAT, which was held under strong quarantine rules due to COVID-19, candidates can take the test without wearing a mask for the first time in four years.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.