Qualitative and quantitative phytoplankton samples collected during a cruise in the southeastern sea of Korea in September 1981, were analysed. A total of 185 species of phytoplankters were identified in the present study. Of the numbers 14 species of diatoms and 56 dinoflagellate forms were found. The rest were 3 silicoslagellate forms, a cryptomonad and a euglenoid each. On the bases of the analyses of the phytoplankton communities, two vegetation areas were recognized. It is demonstrated that the extent of each vegetation area largely depends on hydrographical features. In southeastern coastal waters, the vegetation was fairly rich, and consisted of small celled diatoms and minute flagellates. In the northern part of the area, abundant phytoplanktons were present consisting of various diatoms and dimofalgellates. The size of standing stock of phytoplankton was compared with hydrography and the specific composition of phytoplankton. The importance of mixing between the Tsushima warm current water and North Korean cold water in distributing phytoplankton stocks was stressed.