Water quality is characterized by various complex factors. Therefore, a systematic understanding of water quality trends is required to carry out a proper evaluation. In this study, we analyzed the spatio-temporal water quality characteristics of the Nakdong River using five-year data from 2012 to 2016. Data was collected on the pH, DO, BOD, COD, SS, TN, TP, TOC, WT, EC, NH3-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, Chl-a, rainfall, and total and fecal coliforms. A total of 38 water quality measurement stations, from Andong1 to Gupo, were considered. Statistical analyses including trend, cluster, and factor analyses were conducted to identify the dominant water quality components affecting the Nakdong River. The Nakdong River was spatially classified into three groups for up-stream (Andong1 to Sangju1), mid/up-stream (Donam to Dalseong), and mid/down-stream (Hwawonnaru to Gupo) data collection, and temporally into two groups for summer/fall (7~10), and the rest of the season (11~6) data. The water quality of the entire Nakdong River showed trends similar to the mid/down-stream section, which indicates the importance of water quality management in this section. Suspended solids, phosphorus, and coliform groups were established as important factors to be considered in the summer/fall season across the river, especially in the mid/down-stream section. Nitrogen and organic matter were identified as important factors to be considered in the rest of the season, especially in the mid/up-stream section. This study could help determine the water quality components that should be intensively monitored in the Nakdong River.