This study was conducted to examine the ethical dilemma and coping types of nurses, and identify the relationship between ethical dilemma and coping types of nurses. The subjects of this study consisted of 210 nurses from two university hospitals in Taegu and one university hospital and one general hospital in Pohang. The data were collected with self reported questionnaire from June 2003 to July 2003. The data were analysed using the SPSS program. The results of this study were as follows : 1. The mean score of level of ethical dilemma was 0.55/1, and client area was the highest(M=0.65). 2. The mean score of level of coping about ethical dilemma was 2.22/4, and seeking social support area was the highest (M=2.42). 3. The conflict of proffering the best care with courtesy to impolite patient was the highest in total items of ethical dilemma. Criticized or lectured myself was the highest in total items of coping type. 4. In general characteristics, age(F=4.74, p<.01), marital status(t=2.67, p<.01), career (F=5.95, p<.01) were significantly related to level of ethical dilemma and religion(t=2.27, p<.05) was significantly related to types of coping. There was positive correlation between ethical dilemma and types of coping(r=.228, p<.01). On the basis of these findings, it is needed a correlation study according to category of ethical dilemma and coping types of nurses, and to develop the coping strategy that resolves ethical dilemma in nursing practice.