Understanding grain filling characteristics represented by grain filling duration and grain filling rate is import-ant in improving higher yielding varieties and developing better cultural methods of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Recently developed 6 Japonica and 6 Japonica/Indica varieties were grown under 3 nitrogen levels at Experimental Farm of Chungbuk National University in 1986. The range of grain filling duration of 12 varieties was 20.9-39.0 days, while grain filling rate ranged from 53.8 to 136.6 mg. panicle$^{-1}$. day$^{-1}$. Although the difference of the average grain filling duration between Japonica varieties and Japonica/Indica was less than 4 days, the average grain filling rate of Japonica/lndica varieties was greater than Japonica more than 30%. Samgangbyeo showed the shortest grain filling duration of 21.0-24.2 days and the greatest grain filling rate of 119.3-143.8 mgㆍpanicle$^{-1}$. day$^{-1}$ under 3 nitrogen levels, while Seomjinbyeo and Milyang 23 showed the quite opposite grain filling characteristics. Nitrogen levels did not show any significant effects on grain filling characteristics. Negative correlation was round between grain filling duration and grain filling rate, and significant positive correlations of grain filling rate with grains/panicle, grain weight and panicle weight indicated that grain filling rate is more important characteristics of grain filling. Pathway analysis revealed that contribution of grain filling rate to panicle weight is rather indirect through grain weight.