South Korea's Lottery Draws 21 First-Prize Winners

On May 10, 2025, the Donghaeng Lottery drew its 1171st lottery numbers, resulting in a remarkable outcome for ticket holders across South Korea. With 21 individuals correctly matching all six winning numbers—3, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 17—each winner will take home a staggering 1.12834 billion won, a sum that showcases the life-changing potential of lottery winnings.

The excitement didn't end there. The second-prize bonus number, 19, allowed 148 lucky ticket holders to claim 26.68 million won each. Meanwhile, the third prize saw 5,317 winners, each receiving 740,000 won for matching five numbers. The fourth prize, which requires matching four numbers, was awarded to 211,503 participants, each receiving a fixed amount of 50,000 won. Lastly, a whopping 3,094,806 players matched three numbers to secure the fifth prize of 5,000 won.

Interestingly, the method of ticket selection played a significant role in this drawing. Out of the 21 first-prize winners, only three opted for automatic selection, while 16 chose manual selection and two went for semi-automatic. This trend highlights a growing preference for manual ticket purchasing, as evidenced by a particularly successful retailer in Hanam, Gyeonggi Province, where three consecutive first-prize tickets were sold manually.

As the dust settles on this drawing, many are left wondering about the identity of the fortunate individuals behind these winning tickets. The lottery retailer in Hanam, located at 136 Seohanam-ro, has garnered attention for its extraordinary luck, raising speculations about whether the same person purchased multiple winning tickets. If so, that individual could potentially walk away with a total of 3.4 billion won from three separate wins.

In addition to the excitement surrounding the first-prize winners, the second-prize winners also had their share of joy. With 148 individuals matching five numbers plus the bonus, each will receive a substantial payout, demonstrating that while the jackpot may be the ultimate prize, significant winnings can still be attained through other matches.

The third prize was awarded to 5,317 players, each receiving 740,000 won. This large number of winners reflects the accessibility of the lottery, allowing many to benefit from the drawing even if they didn't hit the jackpot. The fourth and fifth prizes further illustrate this, with hundreds of thousands of players receiving fixed amounts for matching fewer numbers.

Looking at the broader context, the lottery system in South Korea has undergone significant changes since its inception. The 'Nanum Lotto', which began in December 2002, was initially operated by a consortium of government ministries. However, as of December 2, 2018, the operation transitioned to Donghaeng Lottery, which now oversees all lottery trust businesses, including Lotto, Pension Lottery, Instant Lottery, and Electronic Lottery.

The Lotto 6/45 format allows players to select six numbers from a pool of 45. If all six numbers match, they win the first prize. The cost of a single ticket is 1,000 won, making it an affordable option for many. However, there are restrictions in place, such as a limit of 100,000 won per purchase session and a prohibition on sales to minors.

Significantly, the distribution of prize money is based on the total sales volume for each drawing. The first prize winners receive 75% of the total prize pool (excluding the amounts allocated for lower-tier prizes), while the second and third prizes share 12.5% each. The total prize money represents 50% of the total lottery sales, with over 42% allocated to the Lottery Fund, which supports various public welfare projects.

The recent drawing has undoubtedly sparked conversations among players and retailers alike. Many have noted a shift towards manual ticket purchases, with players often choosing to select their own numbers rather than relying on the automated system. This trend could reflect a desire for a more personal connection to the lottery experience, as players feel more invested in their chosen numbers.

As the winners celebrate their newfound wealth, the lottery continues to serve as a source of hope and excitement for many in South Korea. The allure of a life-changing jackpot remains strong, drawing in players from all walks of life. The next drawing will undoubtedly see a surge in ticket sales as players dream of their chance to win big.

In conclusion, the 1171st Donghaeng Lottery drawing has not only created numerous winners but has also reignited interest in the lottery system as a whole. As players await the next round of luck, the stories of this drawing will surely resonate, reminding everyone of the thrill that comes with the chance to dream.