Correlation between microstructural features and segregation of elements (Si, Mn, P and S) near the mid of thickness in the base metal and the synthetic HAZ was investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between the degree of center segregation and weld cold cracking susceptibility in the thickness direction was also conducted by evaluating the effect of P concentration on the critical applied stress. The results obtained are as follows: 1) Pearlite band, containing the MnS type inclusion and a locally transformed structure with a higher hardness, was observed in the center segregation region. 2) By the weld thermal cycle, center segregation region was transformed to the white band which had a higher hardness than that of base metal due to a greater hardenability of concentrated Mn, P etc.. 3) Weld cold cracking susceptibility in the thickness direction was mainly dependent on the concentration of impurity elements rather than on the number of the segregated particles near the mid of thickness. 4) During welding, the higher concentrated region was easily changed into white band. Therefore, it could be predicted that the initiation and propagation of a cold crack would be promoted by increasing the restraint stress and hydrogen content.