Suneung  (수능) will take place on Thursday, this week (November 18th). Here is a selection of videos which give a taste of the activities that take place on what is the most important day in a Korean students life. The videos highlight the communal and commercial nature of the day.

VIDEO 1 Early Morning

Up early in the morning, supporters congregate ready to cheer the third year students (고삼), wave encouraging banners and pass around anything which is edible and sticky. Meanwhile, the exam candidates are focusing their mental energies on the day ahead.

Click on photo to activate Daum site video clip. (2008)

VIDEO 2 Late Arrivals

With the exam about to start, and despite the absence of rush hour traffic, some students are destined to arrive with  minutes to spare. To the cheers of well-wishers, they arrive by police car and on the back of motor-cycles.

Click on photo to activate Daum site video clip.

VIDEO 3 An Early Start

In this clip supporters arrive at 4.30 am. Lots of chanting and drum banging before the first candidates arrive, one carried on the back of an older brother. Meanwhile, mum straightens a candidates tie.

VIDEO 4 Commercialism

A collage of the commercial paraphernalia aimed at promoting the ‘fighting’ spirit as well as encouraging you to spend your money.

VIDEO 5 Intermission

The best way to spend a five-minute break with suneung around the corner.

Thanks to the owners of the clips, all taken from the Daum site.

© 林東哲 2010 Creative Commons Licence.