Chemical structure and electrical characteristics of 5 commercial crosslinked polyethylenes (XLPE) used as insulating materials for medium voltage distribution power cables in Korea were investigated. It was found that each XLPE shows different properties depending on the type of XLPE. Chemical structural irregularities of pellets change considerably by crossliking reaction, with some irregularities being disappeared after crosslikeng reaction. It was also found through a solvent extraction study that additives such as crosslinking agent and antioxidants act as major source retarding water tree growth. Low molecular weight polyethylene chains plays a different role in water tree growth of XLPE.