VIDEO Suneung Day: Air tense across the nation over life-defining exam

On the very day students are put to the ultimate test, Suneung - the national college entrance exam, the air gets tense with anxiety.

Every year in November, the whole country slips into Suneung mode.

On the day, juniors, teachers and parents line up along the front gate of the school to cheer and pray for those who are taking the test which lasts a good nine hours.

Public offices push back work hours to keep the roads clear to make sure everyone makes it on time, and air traffic halts during the English listening test.

Late students are also escorted to schools by police officers.

Moms pray, hoping that their child would not have to live through another year of sleep-deprived nights.