On July 5, 2025, the excitement around South Korea's 1179th Lotto draw reached a fever pitch as the winning numbers were officially announced. The numbers 3, 16, 18, 24, 40, and 44 were drawn, with the bonus number being 21. This particular draw thrilled the nation as 13 lucky winners hit the jackpot, each taking home an impressive prize of approximately 2.16 billion Korean Won (about $1.8 million USD).
The draw was broadcast live on MBC’s popular program 'Live Happiness Dream Lotto 6/45,' hosted by Seo Kyung-seok and Lee Young-eun, with former national baseball player Jeong Geun-woo making a special appearance as the show’s golden hand guest. The program added a festive atmosphere to the announcement, reflecting the widespread public interest in the lottery results.
Among the 13 first-place winning tickets, six were generated automatically, six were manually selected, and one was a semi-automatic pick. These winners were spread across South Korea, hailing from 13 different locations nationwide, showcasing the lottery’s broad reach. The distribution included three winners in Seoul, two in Gyeonggi Province, two in Incheon, one in Busan, and one each from Chungnam, Jeonbuk, Jeonnam, Gyeongbuk, and Gyeongnam.
Notably, the Incheon Seogu district saw a rare occurrence where two winning tickets were sold from the same lottery outlet, both manually selected. If these two tickets belong to the same person, that individual would have won a staggering total of over 4.3 billion Korean Won, doubling the already life-changing jackpot.
Looking closer at the regional breakdown, Seoul’s three winners included two automatic and one manual ticket holders, while Gyeonggi’s two winners were both manual. Busan’s sole winner had a semi-automatic ticket, and the rest were a mix of automatic and manual selections, demonstrating the diverse methods players use to try their luck.
But the jackpot wasn’t the only prize on offer. The second prize, awarded to those who matched five winning numbers plus the bonus number 21, was claimed by 63 players. Each of these winners received approximately 74.38 million Korean Won, a substantial sum that could significantly change lives.
Third place went to 2,989 players who matched five numbers, each receiving about 1.57 million Korean Won. Fourth and fifth places saw far more winners, with 148,832 players matching four numbers and receiving a fixed prize of 50,000 Korean Won, and a whopping 2,516,368 players matching three numbers, each taking home 5,000 Korean Won.
With over 8,800 lottery sales points nationwide as of June 10, 2025, the lotto remains a popular pastime across South Korea. The distribution of winners roughly aligns with population and sales point density, reflecting the lottery’s accessibility and appeal. For example, Gyeonggi Province, with 2,212 outlets, produced two manual first-place winners, while Seoul, with 1,594 outlets, had three first-place winners.
Participants are reminded that prize claims must be made within one year from the start date of payments, a standard policy to ensure timely collection of winnings. The lottery operator, Donghaeng Lottery, continues to emphasize responsible play amid the excitement of such substantial jackpots.
As the 1179th Lotto results circulate, the stories behind these winners—whether they are first-time players or seasoned lottery enthusiasts—will undoubtedly capture public imagination. The thrill of matching all six numbers and the life-altering prize money serve as a beacon of hope for many who dream of hitting the jackpot.
While some winners may choose to remain anonymous, others might share their good fortune, inspiring others to try their luck in future draws. The diversity in ticket purchase methods also highlights how players approach the game differently, from quick picks to carefully chosen numbers, adding to the rich tapestry of stories the lottery weaves across the nation.
With such a significant payout and the broad geographic spread of winners, the 1179th Lotto draw exemplifies the lottery’s role not just as a game of chance but as a social phenomenon that brings together communities in anticipation and celebration.
