PURPOSE To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects classified as low risk based on traditional risk stratification algorithm using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). METHOD AND MATERIALS We consecutively enrolled 7,961 asymptomatic subjects who underwent CCTA as part of a general health evaluation. According to the NCEP-ATP III guideline, the subjects were classified into three groups: low, intermediate, and high risk groups. For each subject, the presence of plaque, plaque composition (calcified/mixed/noncalcified plaque), severity of stenosis, and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) were evaluated. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the conventional risk factors of coronary atherosclerosis associated with the plaque characteristics including the presence of plaques, significant diameter (��� 50%) stenosis, and significant stenosis caused by noncalcified plaques (NCPs), in asymptomatic subjects classified as low risk. RESULTS Among 5325 subjects classified as low risk, 793 subjects (14.9 %) had more than one plaque, 84 subjects (1.6 %) had significant stenosis, and 42 subjects (0.8 %) had significant stenosis caused by NCPs. Among subjects classified as low risk and while having CACS < 100, 691 subjects (13.0 %) had more than one plaque, 49 subjects (0.9 %) had significant stenosis, and 42 subjects (0.8 %) had significant stenosis caused by NCPs. As the predictors for the presence of plaques, age, gender, hypertension, family history of premature CHD, smoking, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and uric acid were identified (p < 0.05). As the predictors for the presence of significant stenosis, age, gender, hypertension, family history of premature CHD, and LDL-cholesterol were identified (p < 0.05). As the predictors for the presence of significant stenosis (with/without being caused by NCPs), age, gender, hypertension, family history of premature CHD, and LDL-cholesterol were identified (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Although an asymptomatic population classified as low risk, even with low CACS, has been regarded as a minimal risk group, prevalence of atherosclerosis plaques and significant stenosis were not negligible.