The optical properties of the sea water were studied by use of underwater lux-meters in the coastal waters of Busan from May to November 1975. The absorption coefficient of the sea water in the area ranges from O. 169 to 1. 049 and the mean absorpflOn coefficient is 0.413. Maximum monthly mean absorption coefficient (0. 56) was observed in August, while the minimum was O. 338 in September. There was a distinct discontinuity layer of the absorption coefficient in accordance with the thermocline and the halocline in summer. The mean transparency of the area was 3. 8 meters, and transparency in autumn was higher than that in summer. The relation between absorption coefficient (m) and transparency (D) was deduced, m=1. 57/ D. The rate of light penetration at 5 m-layer of sea water was 2. 5 percent when the solar altitude was six degree in July 1975.