Story perspectives

South Korea Grounds Flights for CSAT Noise Control

11/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

South Korea will ground all military and civilian flights for 35 minutes on November 12, 2025, from 1:05 PM to 1:40 PM local time, to minimize noise during the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT).
The suspension will affect 140 flights, including 65 domestic and 75 international.
Aircraft in the air must maintain an altitude of 3 kilometers.
Additional measures include delayed openings for businesses and public transport to accommodate students.

History

Historical Context

In South Korea, the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) has been a pivotal factor in university admissions since its establishment in 1993. On test day, operations, including 140 flights in 2025, are often suspended to minimize distractions, reflecting the cultural emphasis on education. With 65% of test-takers being high school students, this event underscores the societal commitment to academic achievement and its implications for future educational policies.

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Story summary

South Korea will ground all military and civilian flights for 35 minutes on November 12, 2025, from 1:05 PM to 1:40 PM local time, to minimize noise during the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT).
The suspension will affect 140 flights, including 65 domestic and 75 international.
Aircraft in the air must maintain an altitude of 3 kilometers.
Additional measures include delayed openings for businesses and public transport to accommodate students.

1 / 2