The effects of free surface on vortex shedding phenomena around a bluff body were studied by both numerical simulation and flow visualization experiments. A vortex method, which approximates the vorticity field as the sum of discrete vortices; was used for the numerical simulation. Flow visualization experiments were performed in the KRISO cavitation tunnel. Hydrogen bubble was used as illumination material. Free surface elevation was also measured during experiments. The hydrodynamic drag and lift were predicted by numerical simulation. The predicted period of vortex shedding was compared with the results of experiments.