Objectives: The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of MetS in a rural Korean cohort. Methods: The study subjects were selected from the five rural areas for evaluating Atherosclerosis RIsk of Rural Area in North General population (ARIRANG) study, an ongoing cardiovascular outcome study conducted on a representative senior population. It enrolled 8,452 Korean adult subjects [3,448 men (mean age; 57.2 짹 7.9) and 5,004 women (mean age; 56.1 짹 8.2)]. The Mets was defined according to the Asian pacific modified ATP III and IDF criteria. Results: According to the modified ATP III criteria, the prevalence of MetS was 40.4 % and more frequent in female than male (45.1 vs. 33.7 %, p <0.01). The most prevalent age group of MetS by ATP III was 50-55 years (36.9 %) in male and 65-70 years in female (54.5 %). According to the IDF criteria, MetS was recognized 33.3 %, more frequent in female than male (40.4 vs. 23.0 %, p<0.01). The most prevalent age group of MetS by the IDF was 45-49 years (26.4 %) in male and 65-70 years in female (49.5 %). Conclusions; The prevalence of Mets was 40.4 % in the modified ATP III and 33.3 % in the IDF criteria in a Korean rural cohort. The MetS was more frequent in male than female. The highest prevalent age group of MetS was 50 to 55 years in male and 65 to 70 years in female.