Field experiment was conducted to find out the chemical characteristics of 12 Korean local varities, Local varities were compared with oriental, flue-cured and burley tobacco. Among tested varities, Hyangcho and Matskawa were desirable in respect of flavor, leaf color and texture. Hyangcho and Matskawa were higher in the content of nicotine and petroleum ether extract. Gajacho, Byeolcho and Kukjuo were higher in the content of reducing sugar, but lower nicotine, total nitrogen and petroleum ether extract. The nicotine and total nitrogen content of Kwangcho, Daruma and Catterton were lower than that of Br. 21. In the content of volatile organic acid which were major characteristic component of oriental tobacco, the Korean local varities were lower in the content of 3-methyl butanoic and 3-methyl pentanoic acid, but hirities, Hyangcho, Matskawa and Daruma were higher in the content of volatile organic acid. Korean local varities, especially small leaf group, were higher in the content of benzyl alcohol and furfural than any other type tobacco.