Flow and spray characteristics are critical factors that affect the performance and exhaust emissions of a direct injection diesel engine. It is well known that the swirl control system is one of the useful ways to improve the fuel consumption and emission reduction rate in a diesel engine. However, until now there have only been a few studies on the effect of flow on spray. Because of this, the relationship between the flow pattern in the cylinder and its influence on the behavior of the spray is in need of investigation. First, in-cylinder flow distributions for 4-valve cylinder head of DI (Direct Injection) Diesel engine were investigated under steady-state conditions for different SCV (Swirl Control Valve) opening angles using a steady flow rig and 2-D LDV (Laser Doppler Velocimetry). It was found that swirl flow was more dominant than that of tumble in the experimented engine. In addition, the in-cylinder flow was quantified in terms of swirl/tumble ratio and mean flow coefficient. As the SCV opening angle was increased, high swirl ratios more than 3.0 were obtained in the case of SCV -70° and 90°. Second, spray characteristics of the intermittent injection were investigated by a PDA (Phase Doppler Anemometer) system. A Time Dividing Method (TDM) was used to analyze the microscopic spray characteristics. It was found that the atomization characteristics such as velocity and SMD (Sauter Mean Diameter) of the spray were affected by the in-cylinder swirl ratio. As a result, it was concluded that the swirl ratio improves atomization characteristics uniformly.