Unlike many laboratory-scale studies on absorption of organic compounds (VOCs), limited pilot-scale studies have been reported. Accordingly, the present study was carried out to examine operation parameters for the effective control of a hydrophilic VOC (methyl ethyl ketone, MEK) by applying a circular pilot-scale packed-absorption system (inside diameter 37 cm ${ imes}$ height 167 cm). The absorption efficiencies of MEK were investigated for three major operation parameters: input concentration, water flow rate, and ratio of gas flow-rate to washing water amount (water-to-gas ratio). The experimental set-up comprised of the flow control system, generation system, recirculation system, packed-absorption system, and outlet system. For three MEK input concentrations (300, 350, and 750 ppm), absorption efficiencies approached near 95% and then, decreased gradually as the operation time increased, thereby suggesting a non-steady state condition. Under these conditions, higher absorption efficiencies were shown for lower input concentration conditions, which were consistent with those of laboratory-scale studies. However, a steady state condition occurred for two input concentration conditions (100 and 200 ppm), and the difference in absorption efficiencies between these two conditions were insignificant. As supported by an established gas-liquid absorption theory, a higher water flow rate exhibited a greater absorption efficiency. Moreover, as same with the laboratory-scale studies, the absorption efficiencies increased as water-to-gas ratios increased. Meanwhile, regardless of water flow rates or water-to-gas ratios, as the operation time of the absorption became longer, the pH of water increased, but the elevation extent was not substantial (maximum pH difference, 1.1).