Lottery in offing for subway users

The Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corp., operator of Subway Line Nos. 5-8, plans to implement a lottery system starting Apr. 15 for commuters who use ticket vending machines. The lottery, with up to 20 million won in prize money, is aimed at boosting subway use.

The lottery will be conducted in cooperation with the Internet lottery firm (www.joyluck.co.kr). Prize winners will be named every week.

For commuter ticket holders, first prize is 20 million won, second prize is 3 million won and third prize is 500,000 won. There is also a 300,000 won prize. For those with ordinary tickets, first prize is one million one, second prize is 200,000 won and third prize is 10,000 won.

The subway corporation said every station contains an average of 10 vending machines but that their utilization rate is very low. Officials hope to change that through the lottery. A similar lottery is planned for commuters using Subway Line Nos. 1-4.

The lottery will continue until at least September. Critics of the plan said it would encourage gambling and have a bad influence on minors.

Jung Yeon-Wook jyw11@donga.com