Comprehensive data collection was carried out between 2001-2006 to investigate the concentration levels of chlorophyll-a, nutrients (DIN and DIP), and COD for surface waters of Korean coastal areas. A statistical analysis of these parameters was carried out on the basis of the frequency distribution of their concentration. Furthermore, the numeric grading for chlorophyll-a, DIN, DIP, and COD concentrations were derived statistically from the normalized frequency distribution of log-transformed data. The statistical grading clearly reflects the water quality characteristics of three Korean coastal water bodies (Western, Southern and Eastern coastal zones), which indicate common environmental and ecological characteristics. So, this study could provide useful information to set up the guideline for water quality assessment of Korean coasts.