South Korea: Security deployment and flight schedule adjustments in place for national exams Nov. 18

Event

Authorities will impose heightened security measures across South Korea Nov. 18 for the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). More than 500,000 students are taking the university eligibility examination 08:00-18:00 at over 1,300 centers nationwide. Additional police officers will deploy along access routes to examination venues, as well as at test sites, and answer paper storage facilities. The government has also banned loud noises during the listening test 13:05-13:40, prompting disruptions to flight and train operations, as well as construction activities.

Transport disruptions are likely from early Nov. 18, as police typically escort students along major roadways leading to test venues. Increased demand for public and private transport is probable as students reach and leave exam centers, especially in Seoul and Busan where many test sites operate. Flights will not take off or land 13:05-13:40; airlines have rescheduled 16 international flights and 63 domestic flights. Minor business disruptions are possible, mainly due to a ban on construction activity near exam venues 13:05-13:40, and potential travel delays faced by employees.

Advice

Exercise caution around exam centers. Confirm flight bookings, transport reservations, and business appointments beforehand. Plan for travel delays. Heed all traffic and security advisories.