Each year, South Korea undergoes a dramatic transformation. Streets fall silent, flights are grounded, and even workplaces and schools adjust their schedules. This singular day is reserved for one of the most anticipated events in Korean students’ lives: the Suneung, or he College Scholastic Ability Test. For thousands of high school seniors, this examination represents the culmination of years of relentless study, sleepless nights, and untold sacrifices. It is a day that determines much of their academic and professional futures.
Watching peers devote themselves so completely to their studies can spark a deep sense of motivation in others. This display of perseverance, at the cost of personal time and comfort, serves as a reminder of what can be achieved when one’s efforts are fully focused. These examples have the power to inspire us to pursue our own dreams with equal intensity, whether it involves academics, creative pursuits, or future careers. The Suneung is more than an exam happening once a year—it is a powerful symbol of dedication.
Though international students in Korea do not take the Suneung, its influence subtly shapes their academic journeys. This commitment pushes many people to reconsider their own approach to achieving success. While the specifics may differ—writing essays, studying for AP exams, or completing college applications—the underlying principle remains the same: true progress requires dedication and effort. The rigor of international school academics may not involve the same kind of high-stakes exam, yet it demands its own set of sacrifices. Late nights spent perfecting personal statements, intensive study sessions for challenging exams, and the pressure of balancing extracurricular activities all contribute to the pursuit of academic excellence.
While the methods may differ, the lessons are universal. Suneung students remind others that the path to success is rarely smooth, but it is this challenge that gives meaning to the achievement. As international students strive to reach their own academic goals, the same spirit of relentless determination applies. Whether it is securing admission to a dream university or achieving personal goals, there is value in pushing beyond comfort zones. The resilience shown by those preparing for the Suneung serves as a quiet but powerful reminder: success, in any form, demands both hard work and unwavering belief in one’s abilities.
Ultimately, this pivotal day tells all of us who are running to our own goals that the journey is just as significant as the destination. Though not all take the same path, the lessons of perseverance and ambition unite everyone in the pursuit of their own aspirations. As the year progresses, and each challenge brings its own set of difficulties, let the spirit of Suneung serve as a source of inspiration. In chasing dreams, one finds the strength to face whatever trials may come, transforming ambition into reality.
By. Nicole Chung