A three-dimensional hydrodynamic numerical model is used to compute the annual and seasonal meteorologically-induced residual circulation on the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea continental shelf. The model is formulated having irregular coastal boundaires and non-uniform depth distribution representative of nature. The previous three-dimensional model of the East China Sea (Choi. 19U) has been further refined to resolve the flow over the continental shelf in more detail. The mesh resolution of the present finite difference grid system used is 4 minutes latitude by 5 minutes longitude over the entire shelf. The circulation pattern showing depth and spatial distribution of currents over the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea is presented. Meteorologically-induced currents are subsequently used to compute turn-over times for the three depths (surface. mid-depth. bottom) and the total water column of various regions of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea.