The effect of $ZrO_2$-coating on the electrochemical properties of the cathode material $LiNi_{0.8}Co_{0.2}O_2$ was investigated using EPMA, TEM, and EIS. In particular, we facused on the distribution of the $ZrO_2$ on the particle surface to study the relation between electrochemical properties of the coated cathode and the distribution of the coating materials in the particle. Based on the results from the composition analysis and electrochemical tests, it was found that the coating layer consisted of nano-sized $ZrO_2$ particles attached non-uniformly on the particle surface and the $ZrO_2$ layer significantly improved the electrochemical properties of the cathode by suppressing the impedance growth at the interface between the electrodes and the electrolyte.