CSAT Lunchbox Menus Revealed... Learn from Perfect Scorers

On the eve of the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT), students’ lunchbox menus are drawing attention. The choices made by last year’s perfect scorers were not extravagant, but rather “familiar and easy-to-digest foods.”

Lunchbox image to aid article understanding. Pixabay

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A video featuring Lee Seunghyun and Kim Soyoon, who achieved perfect scores on the 2025 CSAT, appearing on the Sidae Injae YouTube channel to reveal their lunchbox menus, has recently resurfaced as this year’s test approaches. Both students gained attention for achieving perfect scores by selecting advanced science inquiry subjects, commonly known as “Type II subjects.”

First, Lee Seunghyun chose “soft tofu stew” (Sundubu-jjigae). He said, “It’s my favorite Korean dish, and I have always packed it for important exams in the past. I drew strength from eating the same menu on the CSAT.” Soft tofu stew is considered a suitable option for test-takers thanks to its soft texture, high protein content, and easy digestibility. However, it is important to adjust the spiciness to minimize irritation.

The image shows Lee Seunghyun and Kim Soyoon, perfect scorers of last year’s College Scholastic Ability Test, revealing their test day lunch menus. From Sidae Injae YouTube

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Kim Soyoon prepared “fried tofu rice balls” (Yubu-chobap) and “Shine Muscat grapes.” She also packed “chocolate” to eat during the break. She explained, “When I get nervous, I tend to lose my appetite, so I chose light foods that are easy to eat. I supplemented my sugar intake with chocolate when needed.”

On the other hand, there are foods to avoid. Fried foods or pork belly, which are high in fat, take longer to digest, while rice cakes can be sticky and burden the stomach. Refined carbohydrates can cause a rapid spike and drop in blood sugar, known as a “blood sugar spike,” which may lead to drowsiness after eating. In addition, salty or spicy side dishes can irritate the stomach and cause thirst, reducing concentration.

Experts advise, “On test day, it is safest to stick to your usual diet rather than trying new foods,” and emphasize, “The key is to keep your stomach comfortable with easily digestible foods.”

Students preparing for the 2025 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) on November 14 last year. The Asia Business Daily DB

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Meanwhile, students are required to attend the preliminary briefing on the 12th to receive their test identification slips and confirm their test site locations and chosen subjects. On this day, they must enter their designated test rooms by 8:10 a.m. and bring both their test slip and a valid photo ID.

Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth earphones, and electronic cigarettes are prohibited from being brought into the test site. If a student is caught in possession of these items without submitting them, it will be considered cheating and their test will be invalidated. Only regular analog watches without payment or communication functions are permitted.

According to the Ministry of Education and the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, the number of CSAT examinees this year is 554,174, an increase of 31,504 from last year’s 522,670. Among them, 371,897 (67.1%) are current high school seniors, and 159,922 (28.9%) are graduates.

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