South Korea: Security deployment and flight schedule adjustments likely nationwide during national exams Nov. 17

Event

Authorities will likely impose heightened security measures across South Korea Nov. 17 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 likely deploy along access routes to examination venues, as well as at test sites, and answer paper storage facilities. The government will likely ban loud noises during the listening test segment of the exam, which would prompt disruptions to flight and train operations and construction activities.

Transport disruptions are likely from early Nov. 17, 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 likely not take off or land during the listening test segment, and airlines could reschedule domestic and international flights. Minor business disruptions are possible near exam venues. Employees could face travel delays, and increased absenteeism is possible.

Advice

Exercise caution around exam centers. Heed all traffic and security advisories. Reconfirm flight bookings, transport reservations, and business appointments. Allow additional travel time.