The effects of dietary levels and feeding period of Korean hot pepper (Capsicum annum) seed on the performance and egg quality were investigated. Rhode Island Red layers of 84 wk of age were fed the experimental diets containing O.O(Control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0% of HPS, respectively, in individual cages during 10 wk of the feeding period. The dietary hot pepper seed significantly(P<0.05) improved hen-day egg production and daily egg rnass, but reduced egg weight(P<0.05). During the 10 wk of the feeding period, the egg production and daily egg mass improved after 6 or 7 wk of feeding 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0% hot pepper seed diets. When the layers were fed the 3.0% HPS diet, it only took 1 wk to improve the egg production and daily egg mass. In addition, the birds fed 3.0% hot pepper seed diet showed relatively constant egg weight while those of the Control increased gradually as the feeding period passed. The dietary hot pepper seed significantly improved the eggshell thickness, and redness and whole color of egg yolk. The results indicate that dietary hot pepper seed( $geq$2.0%) may improve the egg production and egg shell thickness, and increase the redness of egg yolk in layers.