The production of extracellular polysaccharide, EPS WN9, from Paenibacillus sp. and its suitability as a viscosity modifying admixture for cement mortar mixing were investigated. After 48h culture in an optimized medium, cell growth and EPS production were 1.2g/L and 4.0g/L, respectively. By adding EPS WN9 to mortar, it was possible to prepare a homogeneous mortar without material segregation and excess air entrapment. The optimal amount of EPS addition to mortar found to be 0.02 to 0.05%(w/w) of the cement used. Increasing the dosage of EPS WN9 from 0 to 0.05%(w/w) resulted in a setting retardation of 0.14h to 0.8h and an increase in the compressive strength of mortar of 10 to 20%.