A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to rapidly identify Lactobacillus plantarum from type strains and kimchi samples. The PCR experiments were carried out using specific oligonucleotide primer sets based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of L. plantarum. The expected DNA amplificate of 419 bp was obtained when either purified DNA or whole cells of L. plantarum strains reacted with LP primers, yet not with any of the other strains. The PCR product was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Accordingly, since the PCR method used is simple, specific, and rapid, it will be useful for monitoring and evaluation L. plantarum in the mixed microbial population found in kimchi.