Sixty individuals of the scallop $Patinopecten$ $yessoensis$ (Genus Pecten) were sampled to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of this species. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) identified 109 genotypes and produced 79 polymorphic loci (72.8%). Total genetic diversity values ($H_T$) and interlocus variation in the within-population genetic diversity ($H_S$) were 0.254 and 0.178, respectively. On a per-locus basis, the proportion of total genetic variation due to differences among populations ($G_{ST}$) was 0.299. This indicated that about 70.1% of the total variation was within populations. The unique loci and bands of $P.$ $yessoensis$ were shown in only one population among the three countries. RAPD markers were very effective in classifying the natural population levels of $P.$ $yessoensis$ in Korea, China, and Japan. In addition, insights into the relative gene diversity among and within populations of $P.$ $yessoensis$ would be useful in breeding and for the development of strategies for animal genetic resources.