This study examined the community structure of macrobenthic animals in the southern East Sea through seasonal surveys at 12 stations from November 2022 to August 2023. A total of 226 species were identified, dominated by polychaetes (102 species, 45.13%), arthropods (59 species, 26.11%), and molluscs (38 species, 16.81%). The total abundance was 1,189 ind. m-2, with polychaetes and arthropods accounting for 740 ind. m-2 (62.26%) and 266 ind. m-2 (22.36%), respectively. Biomass reached 109.93 gWWt m-2, dominated by echinoderms (38.76 gWWt m-2, 35.26%) and molluscs (33.78 gWWt m-2, 30.73%). According to the LeBris index, the top 10 dominant species accounted for 62.92% of the total individuals, including Ampelisca bocki (amphipod), Scoletoma longifolia, Sternaspis scutata, and Magelona japonica (polychaetes). Cluster analysis revealed two distinct groups in the study area: Group I, which comprised shallow stations with higher sand content and species diversity, was dominated by S. scutata, M. japonica, and Moerella hilaris. Group II included deeper stations characterized by higher mud content and lower diversity, primarily dominated by A. bocki and S. longifolia. These findings suggest that the macrobenthic community structure in the study area is largely influenced by water depth and sediment composition. Previous studies have indicated that in the southern East Sea, mud predominates, while sand content and species diversity increase towards the coast. In contrast, the central East Sea is dominated by sand, with both mud content and diversity increasing offshore. These sediment differences between the southern and central East Sea play a crucial role in shaping macrobenthic community structure.