The South Korean government is implementing comprehensive support measures for the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), scheduled for November 19. On the exam day, the start of the workday will be adjusted to after 10 a.m., and all aircraft takeoffs and military training will be halted during the English listening test to ensure that over 551,000 students can take the exam without disruptions.
The Ministry of Education reported these plans during a Cabinet meeting on October 20, outlining the "Support Measures for Stable Implementation of the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test."
The Ministry of Education reported these plans during a Cabinet meeting on October 20, outlining the "Support Measures for Stable Implementation of the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test."
Over 551,000 students to take exam at 1,312 test centers nationwide
This year's CSAT will take place from 8:40 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. across 85 test districts and 1,312 centers. The final exam completion time, including accommodations for students with disabilities, is set for 9:48 p.m. The total number of registered examinees is 551,864, a decrease of 2,310 from the previous year.
To facilitate student movement on the exam day, the government is requesting that public offices and businesses adjust their start times to after 10 a.m. Additionally, subway services in the metropolitan area will be increased during the peak arrival times from 6 a.m. to 8:10 a.m., and emergency transport vehicles will be strategically deployed to prevent delays.
To alleviate congestion around test centers, vehicle access will be completely restricted within 200 meters of the exam sites. Students arriving by car will need to disembark and walk the remaining distance to the test center.
To facilitate student movement on the exam day, the government is requesting that public offices and businesses adjust their start times to after 10 a.m. Additionally, subway services in the metropolitan area will be increased during the peak arrival times from 6 a.m. to 8:10 a.m., and emergency transport vehicles will be strategically deployed to prevent delays.
To alleviate congestion around test centers, vehicle access will be completely restricted within 200 meters of the exam sites. Students arriving by car will need to disembark and walk the remaining distance to the test center.
Aircraft takeoffs halted during English listening test; security measures in place
Strict noise control measures will be enforced around test centers. From 1:10 p.m. to 1:35 p.m., during the English listening assessment, all aircraft and helicopter takeoffs will be suspended, and military training activities, including artillery fire and tank movements, will be temporarily halted.
In addition to the listening test, buses and trains operating near test centers will be required to reduce speed and limit horn usage, while construction sites and outdoor events will be encouraged to minimize noise.
The government is also preparing for adverse weather and natural disasters. Students will be able to check weather information for their respective test centers on the Korea Meteorological Administration's website starting six days before the exam, on November 13. Local governments will establish transportation plans for students in remote areas and snow removal strategies. The 16 provincial education offices will conduct safety inspections at all test centers in advance. A monitoring system will be in place for unexpected events like earthquakes, and an emergency information relay system will be activated for immediate response.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education will collaborate closely with the National Police Agency and provincial education offices to ensure strict security measures for the storage and transportation of exam materials, deploying central coordinators to oversee security management at all test districts.
Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin stated, "We will do our utmost to support students in demonstrating their abilities on the exam day. I encourage students to take care of their health and approach the exam with a calm mindset to achieve valuable results."
In addition to the listening test, buses and trains operating near test centers will be required to reduce speed and limit horn usage, while construction sites and outdoor events will be encouraged to minimize noise.
The government is also preparing for adverse weather and natural disasters. Students will be able to check weather information for their respective test centers on the Korea Meteorological Administration's website starting six days before the exam, on November 13. Local governments will establish transportation plans for students in remote areas and snow removal strategies. The 16 provincial education offices will conduct safety inspections at all test centers in advance. A monitoring system will be in place for unexpected events like earthquakes, and an emergency information relay system will be activated for immediate response.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education will collaborate closely with the National Police Agency and provincial education offices to ensure strict security measures for the storage and transportation of exam materials, deploying central coordinators to oversee security management at all test districts.
Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin stated, "We will do our utmost to support students in demonstrating their abilities on the exam day. I encourage students to take care of their health and approach the exam with a calm mindset to achieve valuable results."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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