Students check their test locations at Seongsu High School in Seoul, Wednesday, a day before the national college entrance exam. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

All aircraft takeoffs and landings across Korea will be restricted for about 35 minutes to keep the noise down during Thursday's annual college entrance exam, held nationwide.

According to the transportation ministry, Wednesday, airplanes won't be allowed to depart from or land at airports in the country between 1:05 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. when the English listening section of the College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) will be conducted. All aircraft in flight, excluding those in emergency situations, will be directed to remain in the air at an altitude of 3 kilometers or higher during that period.

Meanwhile, the military will temporarily hold its fire for drills in that effort. Local offices also plan to seek cooperation from bus and train operators as well as construction companies.

Even protesters vowed not to make noise, as they are set to hold a "silent rally" in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Council building that day for the rights of bus company workers.

All these measures are aimed at minimizing any disturbances that could distract some 510,000 test takers at 1,282 test sites designated nationwide for the nine-hour, five-session exam.

An airplane takes off from Incheon International Airport, Oct. 30. All aircraft takeoffs and landings across Korea will be restricted for about 35 minutes to keep the noise down during Thursday's annual college entrance exam. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The city's subway operator also plans to expand peak operating hours to cover 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. from the current 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. time period to help exam takers reach their test centers on time. Bus services will also be increased during rush hour.

Also to reduce traffic congestion, the government said its offices and agencies will start work at 10 a.m., an hour later than normal, seeking cooperation from private companies. An association of major banks said its member firms also decided to join efforts by starting work at 10 a.m., an hour later than normal.

For those who are late, police said they will help them reach their test sites on time. Taxi companies in some cities including Seongnam and Namyangju in Gyeonggi Province also promised to help examinees.

The CSAT, held on the third Thursday of every November, is one of the most important academic events for students planning to attend university. Most universities select their students based largely on CSAT scores. Diplomas from highly selective universities are valued highly and are considered to make a significant difference when applying for jobs.