It is almost same with the SAT but it determines a lot more. It is true that getting into one of the SKY universities(Ivy league in korea) guarantees their future. So, Korean students think entering good school is goal of their life. So this exam is really important to not only students, but also whole society. Even the stock market delays its open.
I think a proverb ‘4Dang 5Rak’ is represents how harsh this exam very well. It means ‘You would pass the exam if you sleep 4hrs per day but you would fail if you sleep 5hrs’. Students always need a nap.
In the morning of the day, you can see the interesting scene in front of the schools. Juniors cheer their seniors and serve tea and snacks.
Some parents pray and stick 'Yeot' in front of the gate because stick in Korean also means 'pass'. Can you understand their mind?
If student late the exam, there is no peoblem. Police and ambulance stand ready for them! And it is very common situation. Hey, hurry up!
It it the day. Actually I took this exam twice. Well, I can't believe how I can did........But what I want to say to students is this. Don't be discouraged. It is not the end. You are too young too die!
3 comments:
koreans are too concerned about education....
Actually I took Suneung 2 years ago but still it feels nervous whenever i hear the word suneung.
As you said it counts a lot in one's life and entering SKY is still important but what I think is now getting into SKY doens't necessarily guarantee our lives any more... Anyway it's true day of Suneung is very very important and nervous !
It's an excellent exam which determines the ability to absorb knowledge and gear up for examinations. However, using it as a barometer between life and death is displaying immature levels of rationality. Life has nothing related to Suneung. More so, life itself is an examination harder than Suneung.
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