The chemical fractions of heavy metals were investigated in the soils of reclaimed and natural tidelands of southwest coastal area of Korea. The distribution pattern of each heavy metal in different fractions was in the order: 1) Cu : organic bound > organic complex > residual > exchangeable = water soluble. 2) Cr : residual > organic bound > organic complex > water soluble > exchangeable. 3) Pb : organic bound > residual > organic complex > water soluble > exchangeable. 4) Cd residual > organic bound > organic complex > water soluble = exchangeable. 5) Zn : organic bound > residual > organic complex > water soluble > exchangeable. The content of residual Zn showed positive correlation with organic matter content but organic bound Zn showed negative correlation with CEC. The content of residual and exchangeable Cd showed highly positive correlation with organic matter content but residual, organic bound, and exchangeable Cd showed negative correlations with CEC. Water soluble Pb showed positive correlation with CEC but organic bound Pb showed negative correlation with CEC.