As the “Suneung” university entrance exam looms in South Korea, parents find themselves navigating a period of heightened anxiety. This pivotal exam dictates the academic and professional futures of thousands of students, prompting families to seek solace in spiritual practices.
Stretching the duration of the exam day, parents participate in prayer rituals alongside religious leaders. Churches and temples serve not only as places of worship but as sanctuaries of support, offering live-streamed sessions to accommodate all. Through these collective efforts, parents hope to ease both personal and communal stress.
The Role of Prayer in South Korean Exam Culture
In South Korea, the university entrance exam, known as the “Suneung,” holds immense significance. Every year, this exam becomes a focal point for students and parents alike, with various traditional practices accompanying it. Among these practices, prayer stands out as a crucial activity for many families. Churches and temples are often filled with concerned parents seeking divine intervention for their children’s success.
A Collective Spiritual Effort
At a prestigious church in Seoul’s Gangnam district, a nine-hour prayer marathon takes place annually during the exam. Parents, filled with anxiety and hope, gather to pray for each section of the exam. For the Korean language section, they wish for clarity, while for mathematics, they seek smooth calculations. This spiritual gathering is more than just a session of individual prayers; it is a collective effort to share the burden of stress and hope among parents.
As the exam progresses, distinct prayers align with each test component. This meticulous approach to prayer illustrates the dedication and seriousness with which families approach the Suneung.
Emotional Support from Religious Leaders
Pastor Han Seung-woo is a key figure in leading prayer sessions for parents at a church outside Seoul. In these gatherings, he addresses the emotional and spiritual needs of parents whose children are taking the exam.
Hundreds of parents attend these sessions, often moved to tears, as Han implores divine intervention for their children. “I shared my hopes that, regardless of the outcome, parents can find solace in knowing that God accompanies them,” Han explained.
Pastor Lee Chan-soo, with experience running prayer meetings since 1992, offers a message of reassurance. He reminds parents that exam results do not define their children’s worth. This message is crucial, as it helps parents manage expectations and cultivate an environment of unconditional support.
Buddhist Practices for Peace
In addition to Christian practices, Buddhist rituals are also prominent among parents seeking divine guidance. At Bongeunsa Temple, one of Seoul’s largest, head monk Wonmyung leads rituals relying on Buddhist theology.
Parents partake in the rituals by bowing 108 times before the altar, a symbolic gesture believed to fulfill their wishes. These rituals offer parents a framework to engage in focused meditation and prayer for their children’s success.
For those unable to physically attend, many temples provide live streams of these prayer sessions, allowing parents to participate from the comfort of their homes. This accessibility is especially important given the digital age’s influence on tradition.
A Modern Digital Approach
The integration of technology into traditional prayer sessions illustrates a significant cultural shift. Many churches and temples stream their sessions live on platforms like YouTube to reach a broader audience.
Yoido Full Gospel Church, one of the largest in South Korea, offers a comprehensive live stream, featuring gospel music and spiritual encouragement. This digital approach not only provides convenience but also represents the evolving nature of religious practices in contemporary society.
BTN, a large Buddhist television channel, broadcasts prayers that parents can join from home. This televised format combines the traditional with the modern, giving families another avenue to support their children spiritually.
Significance Beyond Exam Results
Encouraging parents to support their children with unconditional love remains a central theme. The messages from these prayer sessions resonate with broader life lessons about resilience and compassion.
The Influence of Social Media
Social media platforms have become a vital tool for amplifying the reach of prayer sessions. Sharing live streams and messages from churches and temples extends the influence of these events beyond physical boundaries.
Parents who donate during these live-streamed sessions often see their names and wishes for their children displayed. This inclusion offers a form of participation and connection in the digital space.
Through these digital channels, parents across South Korea and beyond can engage in a shared experience, enhancing the sense of community and mutual support.
A Broader Cultural Context
The intense preparation surrounding the Suneung exam is deeply ingrained in South Korean culture. It reflects the societal emphasis on education and achievement.
This cultural backdrop provides insight into the lengths parents will go to support their children’s academic endeavors. It highlights the widespread belief in the power of prayer and community effort.
Coping with Pressure and Expectations
The overwhelming pressure of the Suneung exam is a test for both students and their families. It challenges their resilience and ability to maintain a balanced perspective amidst societal expectations.
Throughout the prayer sessions, a consistent message was conveyed: exam scores do not determine a child’s future. This encouragement serves as a reminder to maintain a broader perspective and cherish personal growth over academic success.
Prayer sessions offer more than just solace for exam-stressed parents; they provide a sense of community and shared purpose. By participating in these rituals, parents affirm their faith in their children’s abilities and the supportive power of their spiritual beliefs.
