82-year-old is oldest passer in Busan middle school equivalency exam

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education announced Friday morning the results of the second round of elementary, middle and high school equivalency examinations for 2026. Of the 2,482 people who registered, 2,173 sat the exam and 1,907 passed, yielding a pass rate of 87.76 percent.

By level, the high school equivalency exam recorded the highest pass rate at 88.28 percent, with 1,491 of 1,689 test-takers passing. The elementary level followed at 86.23 percent (119 of 138), while the middle school level posted 85.84 percent (297 of 346).

The oldest passer in the middle school category was an 82-year-old man surnamed Kim, who scored 65.16 points. An 81-year-old woman surnamed Son topped the elementary category with 66.66 points, and a 76-year-old man surnamed Kim passed the high school exam with 66.14 points — a reminder that the desire to learn knows no age.

The full list of passers and individual scores are available on the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education's website (http://www.pen.go.kr) and through the NEIS Equivalency Exam Service (https://kged.go.kr). Results can also be confirmed by calling (051) 860-0114 or (051) 1396 via the automated phone service.

Certificates will be issued Friday and Monday at the education office's general civil affairs office. Those unable to visit in person may apply for postal delivery by visiting a nearby post office.

Certificates of passing, transcripts and subject-level certificates will be available after the results announcement date at the city education office, district education support offices, or the administrative offices of nearby elementary, middle and high schools. Online issuance is also available through Government24 and the NEIS public service portal.

A certificate presentation ceremony for the second round of the 2026 equivalency examinations will be held at 3 p.m. on Sept. 21 in the main auditorium of the Busan Office of Education. All passers are welcome to attend the event, which is held to celebrate them and their families.