Seoul inspects applicants' glasses to block smart-glasses cheating
Supervisors at the November 7 teacher appointment test check frames, lenses and ports; the Suneung follows on November 19 with screening staff at every site.
The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education began inspecting the glasses worn by applicants at the first-round teacher appointment test on November 7, 2026, to block cheating with smart glasses, according to etnews.com.
Applicants had to remove their glasses and show them to supervisors before the first period. Supervisors checked the thickness of frames and temples, camera lenses, microphone and speaker holes, and charging ports. Glasses were re-checked during the second and third periods, and suspicious cases received an additional inspection during breaks.
The inspections come ahead of the 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test, known as the Suneung, which will be held on November 19. One dedicated smart-glasses screening staff member will be placed at each Suneung exam site. The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, which runs the test, classifies smart glasses as prohibited items in exam halls; possession during the exam can invalidate the test and may restrict eligibility for next year's Suneung.
Pressure on supervisors
On October 26, 2026, the Gyeonggi Teachers' Union issued a statement calling for institution-level criteria to distinguish ordinary glasses from smart glasses and a dispute-response system. On November 5, at a senior aides meeting, President Lee Jae-myung ordered blocking of cheating using advanced devices such as smart glasses, strengthened supervisor training, and measures to protect supervisors from unfair complaints. The Ministry of Education and all provincial and metropolitan offices of education are consulting on how to operate the dedicated AI-glasses staff.
Quick answers
When is the 2027 Suneung?
The 2027 College Scholastic Ability Test will be held on November 19, 2026.
Are smart glasses banned in the exam hall?
Yes. The Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation classifies smart glasses as prohibited items; possession during the exam can invalidate the test and may restrict eligibility for next year's Suneung.