Applications are open for the 40th Korean Mathematical Olympiad (KMO) second round, covering the middle-school and high-school divisions. Eligible students have until 20 October 2026 at 24:00—the end of that day—to apply. The KMO notice, published on 18 September, says registration opened on 21 September.

Check your eligibility first

The official second-round rules allow candidates who earned qualification through the first round, or whom the KMO committee recommends. First-round candidates must stay in their original division. Students enrolled at schools outside South Korea cannot enter the high-school division.

Qualification to sit the exam and eligibility for later training or selection benefits are separate. The rules restrict those benefits by school year and birth date; check that section before making plans.

Apply through the official KMO website

Use the second-round application banner on the KMO homepage. The application fee is 50,000 won. Both the application and payment must be completed within the registration window; postal and in-person applications are not accepted.

Choose your division carefully: the notice says it cannot be changed. Save your confirmation and check your contact details. For exam questions, KMO directs candidates to its FAQ and one-to-one enquiry board; it does not take telephone enquiries about the exam.

Set aside both sessions on 14 November

  • Morning: 09:30–12:30; be in the examination room by 09:00.
  • Afternoon: 14:20–17:20; be in the room by 13:50.

These reproduce the organiser’s local timetable for the South Korean sitting. The notice does not explicitly label a time zone; confirm directly with KMO if arranging travel from another time zone.

The paper has eight written-response problems, worth seven points each. Its scope covers geometry, number theory, algebra and combinatorics, excluding calculus. Bring your admission slip, writing materials and accepted identification. Read the complete equipment rules: restrictions include calculators, phones and wristwatches.

For preparation, practise explaining why each step follows, then check your argument for missing cases. Our South Korea selection guide explains the wider pathway. This round is a selection stage, not an IMO team place.

Sources checked 27 September 2026. This report covers an existing open application window; it is not a new announcement dated today. Read the Korean-language notice and rules for the full conditions.