Two Chionoecetes crabs, C. opilio and C. japonicus are primary targets of trap fisheries in the East Sea. To promote the sustainable management of these species, we investigated their reproductive biology and spatial distribution based on samples collected in standardized traps in the coastal waters of eastern Korea from September 2007 to August 2008. The estimated spawning season of C. opilio was March-April, whereas that of C. japonicus continued year-round. The estimated molting period of both species was September-October. Fecundity of C. opilio was proportional to female, size, ranging from 44,791 to 151,538 eggs, and the estimated body size at 50% sexual maturity was 63.9 mm carapace width. Egg bearing female C. opilio were mostly collected depths of 200-300 m, particularly off Hupo and Chuksan, suggesting that these areas are their major spawning grounds. In contrast, female C. japonicus were mostly collected at depths of 400-600 m, peaking at 600 m. The species-specific catch rate was higher for C. opilio above 400 m, similar at ca. 450 m, and higher for C. japonicus below 500 m. These vertical differences indicate apparent spatial segregation of the species, suggesting that spatially-explicit fisheries management plans may be necessary for mitigating conflicts between the respective crab fisheries and maintaining these crabs.