The 2002 World Cup is more than a year away, but competition for tickets is already fierce.

The Korean World Cup Organizing Committee said some 660,000 people entered their names into the lottery to purchase tickets.

The demand for tickets centers on the matches that will be played by the South Korean national team under the leadership of Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.

A spokesman for the organizing committee said demand has far outstripped availability at a rate of eight requests for each available ticket.

The most coveted tickets are the few available for the inaugural match that reigning world champion France will play against the number two team in its group.

The second phase of ticket sales will begin in September with the third and final phase set for next February.