The effects of risering design and alloying element on the formation of defects such as external depression, primary and secondary shrinkage cavities in ductile cast iron were investigated. Two types of risering design for the cylindrically step-wise specimen, No. 1(progressive solidification) and No. 2(directional solidification) risering designs, were prepared and six different alloy compositions were casted. In the No. 1 risering design, external depression or primary shrinkage cavities due to liquid contraction were observed in all the specimens from SG 10 to SG 60. The defects caused by liquid contraction seemed to be more affected by risering design than alloying elements. The secondary shrinkage cavities were also observed in all the specimens but a swollen surface was not observed in all the castings. The primary shrinkage cavities were located right under the top surface or connected to the top surface, and were characterized by smooth surfaces. On the other hand, the secondary shrinkage cavities were positioned in the thermal center of the specimen steps 3 and 4, and characterized by rough surfaces. In the No. 2 risering design, no external depression or primary shrinkage cavities due to liquid contraction were observed in all the specimens from SG 10 to SG 60. However, the secondary shrinkage cavities were formed in the thermal center of specimens SG 40, 50 and 60. Like the No. 1 risering design, a swollen surface was not observed in all the castings.