This study was conducted to obtain basic information on mainstem, branch and leaf characteristics related to canopy for development of high yielding cultivar using 70 Korean soybean cultivars developed from 1913 to 2000. Variations of canopy width, branch length, and canopy width/length ratio were higher compared to other characteristics among 12 mainstem and branch characters. Variations of petiole angle, leaflet width/length ratio and compound leaf dry weight were higher than other characteristics among eight leaf characters related to plant canopy. Three classifications of soybean cultivars were used based on usage: I)soy sauce and tofu, II)bean sprout, and III)cooking with rice. Canopy width/length ratio was higher in group III, cooking with rice than group I, soy sauce and tofu, and group II, bean sprout, and there was no difference between the two, group I and group II. The total branch length/main stem height ratio was higher in group II, bean sprout and group III, cooking with rice than group I, soy sauce and tofu. Mainstem and branch characteristics related to plant canopy were classified into four groups by ratio of canopy width/length and total branch length/main stem length, respectively. Soybean cultivars with narrow canopy and high dependence of mainstem were Danweonkong, Keumkangkong, Shelby, and Shinpaldalkong. Soybean cultivars with broad canopy and high dependence of mainstem were Kanglim, Keumkangdaelip, and Jinyulkong, and a cultivar with broad canopy and high dependence of branch were Geomjeongkong 2. Leaflet length/width ratio was lowest in cooking with rice and there was no difference between soy sauce and tofu and bean sprout. Compound leaf area was largest in cooking with rice and smallest in bean sprout. Leaf petiole length was short in bean sprout and there was no difference between soy sauce and tofu and bean sprout. Leaf petiole angle was highest in cooking with rice and lowest in bean sprout. Leaf type was classified into four groups based on leaflet width/length ratio and compound leaf area, respectivly. Buseok and Taekwangkong had an oval leaflet and largest area of compound leaf. Eunhakong and Sohokong had extreme narrow leaflet and smallest area of compound leaf. Leaf petiole type was classified into three and four groups based on leaf petiole length and angle, respectively. A soybean cultivar with the shortest petiole length and smallest petiole angle was Eunhakong and cultivars with short petiole length and large petiole angle were Alchankong, Muhankong, and Pureunkong. A soybean cultivar with long petiole length and small petiole angle was Sinpaldalkong 2. Among a total of 70 Korean soybean cultivars, Eunhakong had an extreme narrow type in leaf, smallest compound leaf area, shortest petiole length, and smallest petiole angle of compound leaf.