This study was carried out in order to investigate the early growth and root development characteristics of Atractylodes japonica container seedling. Experiment was performed by light intensity (100%, 60%, 25% and 10% of full sunlight). Height was surveyed well under 25% of full sunlight (overall 11.013.0%). Root collar diameter was the highest in the full sunlight (7.52 mm). It was the highest fresh weight (1.52 g, 0.92 g, 0.90 g and 3.34 g) under 25% of full sunlight, root dry weight was getting higher in the higher light level and the highest in the full sunlight (0.13 g). Total root length, root project area, root surface area and root volume were the highest under 25% of full sunlight (434.7 cm, $17.4cm^2$, $54.7cm^2$, $0.55cm^3$, respectively) and the lowest under 10% of full sunlight. As a result of surveying the whole experiment, A. japonica is judged nicely by maintaining 25% of full sunlight, excepting 10% of full sunlight. And light levels during the early growth are overly important to improve early growth.