Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) gene polymorphism (1G/2G at -1607 and A/G at -519) in Korean subject and to assess the association between polymorphism and periodontal status. Methods: Forty nine generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) patients and 57 periodontally healthy children were recruited and genomic DNA was extracted from buccal swab. The polymorphisms of MMP-1 promoter genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length product (PCR-RFLP) method. The distribution of genotype and allele frequency was compared between 2 groups by ${chi}^2$ test. Results: There was a significant difference in the distribution of genotypes and frequency of alleles between the GAP and reference groups at the position - 519 of MMP-1 gene promoter (P<0.05). Allele G carrier rate was significantly lower in GAP group than that of the reference group (P< 0.001). At the position -1607 of MMP-1 gene promoter, genotype distribution and allele frequency showed no statistically significant difference between the groups. However, in the female group, a significant difference was observed between the groups for the genotype distribution, allele frequency and allele 1G carrier rate (P< 0.05). Conclusions: The DNA polymorphism at the MMP-1 gene promoter might be associated with GAP in Korean.