Vehicle access restricted from 200 meters ahead of CSAT test sites on exam day

[Financial News] The government plans to ask government offices and businesses to delay their start times to 10 a.m. or later on Nov. 19, the day of the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT). It also plans to increase subway services in the Seoul metropolitan area during the time candidates travel to test sites, adjust aircraft and helicopter takeoff and landing schedules during the English listening test in the third session, and temporarily suspend military drills, including artillery firing and tank movements.
At a Cabinet meeting held on the 20th, the Ministry of Education reported the “Support Measures for the Stable Administration of the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test on Exam Day.”
To prevent noise around test sites, aircraft and helicopter takeoff and landing schedules will be adjusted and military drills suspended for the 25 minutes from 1:10 p.m. to 1:35 p.m., when the English listening test is held. Outside the listening test period, the government also urged buses and trains passing near test sites to travel slowly and refrain from honking, and asked event venues and construction sites to minimize everyday noise.
To prevent traffic congestion, vehicle access will be restricted from a point 200 meters ahead of test sites on CSAT day. Candidates arriving by car will have to get out 200 meters away and walk to the site.
The number of subway trains operating in the Seoul metropolitan area will be increased from 6 a.m. to 8:10 a.m., when candidates travel to test sites, and emergency transport vehicles from administrative agencies such as police stations will be stationed along candidates’ routes.
This year’s CSAT will be held on Nov. 19, from 8:40 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. for general test-takers, at 1,312 test sites in 85 test districts nationwide. The expected number of candidates is 551,864, down 2,310 from last year. Including test-takers eligible for accommodations, the exam will end at 9:48 p.m.
Starting Nov. 13, candidates can check weather information for their test sites in advance on the Korea Meteorological Administration website. Provincial and metropolitan governments will prepare transportation plans for candidates in islands and remote areas, as well as snow-clearing plans, in case of bad weather.
The 16 provincial and metropolitan offices of education will conduct safety inspections at all test sites. On CSAT day, they will continuously monitor seismic activity and establish an information-sharing system at every test site to ensure a prompt response, following established procedures, in the event of an earthquake.
The Ministry of Education will work with the National Police Agency and provincial and metropolitan offices of education to establish a security system for the test papers and answer sheets. It will also dispatch central liaison officials to every test district to support the handling of the materials.
Education Minister Choi Kyo-jin said, “All ministries will pool their efforts and do their utmost to help you fully demonstrate the abilities you have honed over the years,” adding, “I hope you will take care of your health through the very end and prepare with peace of mind, so that your hard work can lead to valuable results.”

[email protected] Kim Man-gi Reporter