Species composition and distribution patterns of shellfish were investigated in Eoeun and Geojeon tidal flat located in the Saemangeum area on the west coast of Korea from May to October 2000. Nineteen species of shellfish were collected in Geojeon tidal flat. The samples in number of individuals included Umbonium thomasi $(90.0\%)$ and Mactra veneriformis $(5.0\%).$ In Eoeun tidal flat, ten species of shellfish were collected and the dominant species in number of individuals were Potamocorbula amurensis $(55.0\%)$ and U. thomasi $(18.6\%).$ These results were compared with previous studies conducted before the beginning of reclamation in Saemangeum. Compared with the results from 1988, a change In species composition was observed. Laternula flexuosa and Nuttallia olivacea appeared, while Mactra chinensis and Coelomactra antiquata disappeared in the deposition area in Geojeon tidal flat. In the erosion area of Eoeun tidal flat, M. veneriformis and Meretrix lusoria appeared, while Cyclina sinensis disappeared. Based on a cluster analysis, the shellfish community in Eoeun tidal flat was classified into three station groups based on sediment types. Geojeon tidal flat was also classified into three station groups. The distribution of shellfish in the Saemangeum area was closely related to the sediment types.