The effects of soaking temperature on hydration and cooking rates of Chunmabyeo(Japonica) and Kayabyeo(J/Indica) rice were investigated. Water uptake and volume increase rates of milled rice were increased as a function of soaking temperature$(4^{circ}C{sim}30^{circ}C)$. The rate of volume increase of milled rice was greater than that of weight increase, which was more pronounced at low soaking temperature. The soaking of milled rice prior to cooking had a definite effect on the degree of gelatinization. The soaked milled rice was more easily gelatinized than unseated one. The water uptake rate, volume increase rate, degree of gelatinization and cooking rate of milled rice were faster in Kayabyeo than Chunmabyeo.