Purpose： This study reviews the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) in the United States. This review focuses on the purposes, questionnaires, survey methods, and use of survey results. The author also discussesthe establishment and use of Korean Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Results：The YRBSS was developed in 1990 to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the United States. The purpose of YRBSS is to determine the prevalence of health risk behaviors, to assess the trend of health risk behavior prevalence, provide comparable data, monitor progress toward achieving the Healthy People 2010. The questionnaires inquire about health-related behaviors, including tobacco use, unhealthydietary behaviors, inadequate physical activity, alcohol and drug use, sexual activity, behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence. The results of YRBS have been used to estimate the prevalence of risk behaviors among youth, to set goals for school health programs, for training and development of health program personnel, for the development of health education curriculum, to support enactment of health-related regulations, and to support funding for futher research. Conclusions： The YRBSS represents a potentially valuable program that can be applied in Korea. Assessment of risk behaviors among Korean youths will provide invaluable insight for many potential purposes.