Thirty-eight sediment samples collected from the Youngsan River channel were analysed for Fe, Mn, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb to recognize the extent of contamination. Results showed that a wide range of contents was apparent for every metal over the study area. These differences have been mainly related to the textural variability of sediments. Exceptions to this were found in the contents of Cu, Zn, Pb and possibly Mn. The contents of Cu, Zn, Pb and Mn were particularly higher in the sediments from the confluence of tributaries. Downstream profile of metal/Al ratios indicates that pollutant inputs from the Kwangju tributary are mainly responsible for enrichment of these metals in bed sediments of the Youngsan River.