On Thursday, South Korea temporarily suspended all domestic and international flights for 35 minutes to ensure silence during the English listening section of the country’s highly competitive college entrance exam, known as the Suneung. Over 550,000 students took part in the nine-hour test, which plays a decisive role in determining university admission, career prospects, and social standing. Flights were grounded from 1:05 p.m. to 1:40 p.m., affecting about 140 flights, including 65 international ones. During this period, only emergency aircraft were allowed to operate. Authorities deployed police to help late students reach exam centers quickly, sometimes using motorcycles. Financial markets and offices opened an hour late to ease traffic congestion. The Suneung is a national event marked by strict discipline and cultural rituals, with many parents praying at churches or temples for their children’s success.