These experiments were conducted at the upland of Livestock Farm, Seoul National University, Suweon to determine the growth characteristics, winter-hardiness and forage yield of selected southern and northern-types of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) in comparison with the Korean native rye over two seasons, 1977-78 and 1980-8 1. During the 1977-78 season, most southern-type rye varieties except Explorer and Abruzzi headed 2 to 6 days earlier than the Korean native rye and 6 to 10 days earlier than northerntype rye varieties Rymin and Puma, while in 1980-81 southern-type rye varieties headed 5 to 7 days earlier than the Korean native rye, therefore, the Korean native rye seemed to be medium in maturity. There were no significant differences in winter-hardiness among different rye varieties with the exception of the lowest winter survivals of Wintergrazer 70, Explorer and triticale, and Gator, Explorer and Florida Black during the 1977-78 and 1980-8 1 seasons, respectively. Southern-type rye varieties tended to yield more forage than northern-type and the Korean native rye varieties when harvest was made in the later part of April. During 1977-78 season, Vita-Graze, Elbon and Athens Abruzzi rye varieties produced significantly more forage than the Korean native rye, but in 1980-81 Wrens Abruzzi rye produced significantly more forage than the Korean native rye. Based on the results of the two seasons, southern-type rye varieties,Vita-Graze, Athens Abruzzi, Elbon and Wrens Abruzzi could be recommended as a source of green forage for livestock in April in middle-northern parts of Korea.