Thousands of parents pray at the famous 'Gatbawi' rock as the college entrance exam looms
Article: Every morning at 4 am, mothers kneel in prayer... 1,000 wait in line to pray at this one boulder
Source: Joongang Ilbo via Nate
The 'Gatbawi' rock became famous for its statue of Buddha wearing a 'gat', which believers came to symbolize as a location of blessings and worship for future test takers due to the 'gat' also looking like a college graduation cap.
The rock has become a place of hope this year even moreso due to the many changes and complications to the test brought about by the virus, leaving parents desperate for hope. A 49 year old mother said, "I come every weekend to bow 108 times for my second daughter, who will be taking the test. For my first daughter, I came almost every day to bow, but I've only been coming on the weekends with my husband this time because of the virus. I pray with my whole heart hoping that my daughter can overcome this pandemic and earn results that are reflective of her hard work."
Compared to last year, the amount of people visiting has been cut in half due to the virus. About 3,000 visit every weekend, and 1,000 on the weekdays.
A manager of the location explained, "I see people wearing thick padding jackets come before the sun's even up. I think parents are feeling more desperate because of the difficulties the virus has brought."
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1. [+763, -40] I know that this is just a reflection of how desperate our parents feel for us, but I felt so pressured whenever I saw my mother and grandmother go to pray at this. I did end up getting into the college and major I wanted but I don't think I could've handled it if I had been rejected. The best way to support your student right now is not making a big deal of it the week leading up to the test and just making sure they get a good meal on the morning of.
2. [+660, -32] None of this will help your kid. Only effort will achieve their dreams.
3. [+447, -26] Yup, every year, it's always bustling with people around this time. I just hope that everyone's being cautious of the virus and that all their wishes come true.
4. [+34, -5] What a waste of time ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ kids who were meant to get in will get in ㅋ Just stay home where it's warm, what's the point of any of this? You're really trekking all the way out to a boulder to pray to? ㅋㅋ
5. [+25, -2] I understand how these parents must feel... but do you really think your kid can get into SKY because you prayed at a rock?
6. [+23, -3] Can't believe we're in the 21st century and this is still happening..
7. [+19, -1] I understand how they feel but doing this won't change your student's grades. Your grades are a reflection of your skills. Just stay home and take care of your kid.
8. [+18, -4] The heart of a mother...
9. [+15, -4] As if this changes anything? Just go home and make something yummy for the kids... don't waste your energy here and end up fainting and needing to call 911..
10. [+13, -0] Just pray at home ㅜ
11. [+13, -7] Whether the kids get into the school or not doesn't matter.. this is just the only thing that parents can do in this moment. To all the parents and test takers out there, please keep the virus in mind as you prepare.
12. [+12, -0] In this world, it's a difficult life even after you get into your dream school. Mothers, please don't stress yourselves out over this. You're putting your health at risk and that'll be more of a burden on your kids than anything else.
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