S Korean exams prompt army hush

Army drill will be halted to avoid drowning out the listening tests

South Korea's army has pledged to keep the noise down while several million students take English language listening tests later this month.

The army said live-fire drills would be halted and jets would be banned from taking off or landing for at least 20 minutes each day during the tests.

However, aircraft would be allowed to take off in emergency, the army said.

The exams for middle- and high-school students will be held on 16-18 and 23-25 September.

South Korea - a densely populated country - places a high priority on education.

The authorities are also expected to reschedule rush hour to ease traffic during another crucial set of tests in November.