Characteristics of seasonal mean diurnal temperature range (DTR) and their causes over South Korea are investigated using the 60 stations data of Korea Meteorological Administration from 1976 to 2005. In general, the seasonal mean DTR is greatest during spring (in inland area) and least during summer (urban and coastal area). The spatial and seasonal variations of DTR are closely linked with the land surface conditions (especially vegetation activity and soil moisture) and atmospheric conditions (cloud amount, precipitation, local circulation). The seasonal mean DTR shows a decreasing trend at the major urban areas and at the north-eastern part of South Korea. Whereas, it shows an increasing trend at the central area of the southern part. Decreasing and increasing trends of DTR are more significant during summer and fall, and during spring and winter. The decrease (increase) of DTR is mainly caused by the stronger increase of daily minimum (maximum) temperature than daily maximum (minimum) temperature. The negative effects of precipitation and cloud amount on the DTR are greater during spring and at the inland area than during winter and at the coastal area. And the effect of daytime precipitation on the DTR is greater than that of nighttime precipitation.