8,500 Senior Citizens Turn in Driver's Licenses

The Seoul Metropolitan Government's raffle of W100,000 for elderly people who voluntarily turn in their driver's license has proved more popular than anyone had imagined (US$1=W1,161).

Every month since the raffle started in March, 3,400 people have turned in their driver's licenses. The city government has decided to expand the number of winners from 1,000 to 7,500. A city official said as of the end of May, 8,499 senior citizens had turned in their licenses.

The measure, which follows a spate of fatal car accidents caused by elderly drivers, is aimed at prodding them to stop driving and use public transportation.

Winners are given a W100,000 public-transport card that can also be used in convenience stores. Anyone born before Dec. 31, 1949 can apply.