[Report] Anxious About COVID-19 Suneung... Parents Visiting Temples and Churches Say "Hope They Show Their True Ability"

Parents Visiting Temples and Churches After Seeing Off Children
Writing Messages Like 'Wishing for Success in Suneung', 'Academic Achievement'
Praying While Observing Social Distancing, "Hope You Show Your Skills Without Mistakes"

On the morning of the 3rd, parents visiting Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are seen praying for their children's high scores on the CSAT.

[Asia Economy Reporters Donghoon Jeong, Junior Reporters Juni Park, Daehyun Kim, Junhyung Lee] On the 3rd, the 2021 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), held amid the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, caused exceptional concern not only among examinees but also among their parents. Parents who saw off their children visited religious facilities such as temples and churches to soothe their anxious hearts.

That morning, dozens of parents gathered at Jogyesa Temple in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to pray for their children's success in the CSAT. They left messages such as "academic achievement," "great success in CSAT," and "Dear daughter, wishing you pass" on the space provided in the front yard of Jogyesa to write CSAT prayer notes. The parents offered candlelight offerings at the Gongyangdae inscribed with "Wishing happiness for examinees" and continued praying inside the Daeungjeon Hall and in the prayer tent set up in a corner of the yard.

Kim Minhee (48), a resident of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, said, "I came to Jogyesa for my child who is taking the CSAT today," adding, "This year has been tough for both parents and children, so I hope they can perform to the best of their ability without mistakes." She continued, "Since my child is preparing for early admission, I am worried about COVID-19 infection," and said, "Many people gather at Jogyesa, so this time I plan to reduce the number of bows and stay only about 20 minutes." Baek Hyunwook (48), a parent who visited Jogyesa from Nowon-gu, Seoul, said, "I am worried because my child could not attend classes properly this year," adding, "It is also unsettling that meetings among parents have decreased, reducing the exchange of information related to college entrance exams, but I came to support with all my heart until the end."

Parents left messages such as "Academic Achievement," "Great Success on the CSAT," and "Dear Daughter, Wishing You Success" in the space set up in front of Jogyesa Temple for writing notes to pray for success on the CSAT.

On that day, Jogyesa Temple followed quarantine guidelines by having visitors write in a guestbook upon entering the Daeungjeon Hall and arranging chairs inside the tent with 2-meter spacing. A Jogyesa official said, "We strictly enforce quarantine measures such as limiting entry to fewer than 40 people inside the Daeungjeon Hall and maintaining distance," adding, "This year, the prayer site for examinees is also being live-streamed on YouTube so it can be viewed from home."

That day, parents also visited Myeongdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Seoul. Lee Jeonga (51, Nowon-gu) and Lee Jeonggyeong (47, Gangnam-gu), who attended the morning mass, are sisters and parents of a repeat test taker and a high school senior taking the CSAT this year, respectively. They prayed together, hoping for their children's high scores on the CSAT. Lee Jeonggyeong said, "I expressed my gratitude in front of the statue of the Virgin Mary and prayed for courage for my child." Lee Jeonga said, "This year, my child studied mostly on their own initiative," adding, "Due to COVID-19, it was difficult to attend academies, but my child found online lectures independently and seemed to manage their mind well."

A parent praying in front of the Virgin Mary statue at Myeongdong Cathedral on the morning of the 3rd

That day, Myeongdong Cathedral did not hold a separate mass related to examinees but conducted the usual weekday mass. A cathedral official explained, "Due to COVID-19, we are not holding a separate mass this year. Most cathedrals nationwide will not hold related masses today," adding, "When believers with examinee children visit, we guide them to pray at the statue of the Virgin Mary around the cathedral." At the statue of the Virgin Mary in front of the cathedral that day, some people who appeared to be parents of examinees quietly lit candles and prayed.