PURPOSES : This study presents the noise level and frequency characteristics investigated in the national highways with the consideration of various measuring conditions and/or methods. METHODS : The noise levels on the asphalt concrete pavement(ACP) and the jointed plain concrete pavement(JPCP) of the national highway were measured and analysed with respect to three variables, i.e., pavement type, surface condition, and measurement distance. The PASS-By method is utilized for the noise measurement and then using CPB spectrum analysis method with 1/3 octave bandwidth, the noise levels and frequency characteristics were calculated for two-second periods before and after the peak noise. RESULTS : Depending on the pavement type, the noise level was changed as the average noise levels are 73.3dB(A) and 78.3dB(A) for ACP and JPCP, respectively. With respect to the effect of surface condition, the average noise levels for crack H(high), M(medium), and L (low) sections are 77.4dB(A), 77.4dB(A), and 78.1dB(A), respectively. Regarding the measurement distance, 1.2meter difference in measuring location reduces 1.6dB(A) of noise level; the average noise levels at 5.3m and 7.5m from the centerline of outer lane are 72.8dB(A) and 71.2dB(A), respectively. It should be noted that the noise levels are slightly different as a function of vehicle speed and type. However, the overall trends for each case was similar. It was found that the domain frequency bands for ACP and JPCP were 400Hz~2000Hz and 500Hz~2000Hz, respectively. CONCLUSIONS : Based on the analysis with the measured noise date from national highway, it was concluded that the noise level and frequency band vary depending on the various conditions. It was also found that some variables significantly affect the noise level while others do not. With further systematic investigation, the comprehensive noise characteristics on the national highway can be achieved. Using such database, it is possible to develop the fundamental noise reduction technology.