The exam that defines your life in South Korea: Suneung

Summary

The Suneung, South Korea's high-stakes college admission exam, is so pivotal that it causes the country to pause for a day. With intense competition to enter the top universities (SKY), the exam impacts not only education but the future of students' careers and lives. From early childhood, students face immense pressure, attending private after-school classes, and the exam's culture has led to high stress levels and mental health issues. Despite government attempts to reduce this pressure, the Suneung remains a milestone that defines success and social mobility in South Korea.

Takeaways

• 😀 The college admission test in South Korea, known as the Suneung, is a critical event that impacts nearly every aspect of life in the country.
• 😀 The Suneung is an 8-hour exam that determines not just university admission, but the future career and social mobility of students.
• 😀 The exam is so important that on the day it takes place, the entire country comes to a standstill: public transport is halted, and even the stock market opens late.
• 😀 South Korea has one of the highest levels of education in the world, but it also faces high youth unemployment rates despite a large proportion of students earning degrees.
• 😀 The Suneung's real goal for many students is not just to get into college, but to gain admission to one of the top three universities, known as SKY universities (Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University).
• 😀 Graduating from a SKY university significantly improves a student's chances of securing a high-paying job at one of Korea's influential family-run companies, or Chaebols, such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG.
• 😀 The Suneung exam covers subjects like the national language, math, history, social studies, and foreign languages. The questions are shrouded in secrecy and are prepared by a select group of teachers in a secretive location.
• 😀 Many South Korean students begin preparing for the Suneung from a very young age, attending private tutoring centers called Hagwons, which have become a multi-billion dollar industry.
• 😀 Despite government efforts to reduce the influence of Hagwons and make the educational system more equitable, private tutoring remains a major factor, creating disparities based on wealth.
• 😀 The immense pressure surrounding the Suneung has led to serious mental health concerns, including high stress levels and a rising suicide rate among young people in South Korea.
• 😀 The government's attempts to relieve some of this pressure, such as offering extracurricular activities to boost students' scores, have largely backfired, instead adding to students' workloads and stress.

Q & A

What is the Suneung and why is it important in South Korea?

The Suneung, or College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), is an annual, high-stakes exam in South Korea that determines students' future in higher education and professional careers. It is so significant that the entire country comes to a halt for the day of the exam, with most public services and transportation suspended.

How does the atmosphere change in South Korea on the day of the Suneung?

On the day of the Suneung, the usually bustling city of Seoul becomes unusually quiet. There are no cars on the streets, no trains or flights, and even the stock market opens late. The entire country observes this day in silence, as the exam is seen as a defining moment for students.

What subjects are tested in the Suneung?

The Suneung covers several key subjects: National Language, Math, Korean History, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages. The exam is designed to assess students' academic readiness for university education.

What are the 'SKY' universities, and why are they so important?

The 'SKY' universities—Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University—are the most prestigious and competitive universities in South Korea. Getting accepted into one of these universities significantly enhances a student's chances of securing a well-paying job, particularly at large family-run conglomerates called Chaebols, such as Hyundai, LG, or Samsung.

What percentage of students succeed in getting into university through the Suneung?

Around 70% of students who take the Suneung are accepted into universities. However, the ultimate goal for most is to get into a SKY university, where only about 2% of applicants are successful.

What role do 'hagwons' play in South Korean education?

'Hagwons' are private after-school tutoring centers where most students go to prepare for the Suneung. With over 100,000 hagwons across South Korea, the industry is worth $20 billion. While they were originally intended to support social mobility, they have now become a source of inequality, as wealthier families can afford more extensive tutoring.

How has the rise of hagwons impacted South Korean society?

The rise of hagwons has led to significant pressure on students, as parents increasingly invest in private education to give their children an advantage. This has created a financial divide, where wealthier families can provide more opportunities for their children, while the general focus on academic achievement has led to heightened stress levels among students.

What mental health issues are associated with the pressure of the Suneung?

The intense pressure surrounding the Suneung has contributed to South Korea's high levels of student stress. Mental health problems are widespread, and suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in the country. Some students isolate themselves in small study cubicles called 'dokseosils,' which further negatively impacts their social lives and mental well-being.

How has the South Korean government tried to reduce the pressure of the Suneung?

The government has introduced extracurricular activities to help reduce the stress of the Suneung. These activities can earn students extra points for the exam. However, this has unintentionally added more responsibilities to students, intensifying their pressure rather than alleviating it.

What is the significance of the Suneung in the lives of South Korean students?

The Suneung is considered a milestone in the life of any South Korean student, shaping their future educational and career opportunities. The exam's outcome can influence a student's social standing, job prospects, and overall life trajectory, making it a defining experience for most young people in South Korea.