Removal rates of NO3-N and TN in a free water surface wetland system during emergent plant growing season and non-growing were investigated. The system was established on floodplain in the down reach of the Gwangju Stream in 2008. Its dimensions were 46 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Typha angustifloria L. growing in pots about two years were planted on the half area of the system and Zizania latifolia Turcz on the other half. Water of the stream was funneled into it by gravity flow and its effluent was discharged back into it. Volumes and water quality of inflow and outflow were analyzed from October 2008 to September 2009. Inflow into the system averaged approximately 715 $m^3$/day and hydraulic residence time was about 1.5 hr. Average influent and effluent $NO_3$-N concentration was 3.37 and 2.74 mg/L, respectively and $NO_3$-N retention amounted to 18.7%. Influent and effluent TN concentration averaged 4.67 and 3.69 mg/L, respectively and TN abatement reached to 20.9%. $NO_3$-N removal rate (%) during plant growing season ($22.67{pm}3.70$, mean ${pm}$ standard error) was significantly high (p<0.001) when compared with that during plant non-growing one ($15.02{pm}3.23$). TN abatement rate (%) during plant growing season ($27.42{pm}5.98$) was also significantly high (p<0.001) when compared with that during plant non-growing one ($13.66{pm}3.08$).