In this study, the physical properties of coal-based(bituminous, anthracite·bituminous) activated carbon were compared with those of four different commercial activated carbon used for water treatment. In case of bituminous coal and blend coal, the results of SEM analysis indicated that more pore was extended and shaped in activation process than carbonization process. The results of BET analysis indicated that specific surface area of P Co. activated carbon was larger than the others, and C Co. activated carbon, S Co. activated carbon and anthracite + bituminous was similar. Therefore, adsorption capacities and breakthrough time of anthracite + bituminous regarded similar to C Co. activated carbon.