The seasonal distribution and abundance of larval fishes in the central and southern surface waters of the East Sea were investigated seasonally during 2011 and 2012. During the study period, the larvae of 39 species belonging to 26 families were collected. The most abundant species were Engraulisjaponicus, which accounted for 97.5% of the total number of individuals collected. Scomber japonicus, Clupea pallasii, Chromis notatus, Cottidae sp., and Coryphaena hippurus accounted for 1.7% of the total. The number of species, number of individuals, and species diversity indices fluctuated with the season. The peak number of species and individuals occurred in September and May, respectively. The larvae of the main species displayed a distinct spatial distribution and seasonal occurrence patterns. E. japonicus and C. notatus widely distributed throughout the study area. During summer and autumn, S. japonicus and C. hippurus were abundant in southern and offshore regions. C. pallasii occurred only in the southern region during winter. The seasonal occurrence and patterns of distribution of the larvae of main species seems were correlated with surface water temperature.