This study evaluated readability by text design of self-guided signs in recreation areas to obtain basic information needed for enhancement of the readability. Data were collected from 401 visitors in the 'Neodeoulgung' area of Mudeung-San Provincial Park by questionnaire survey during October-November, 2004. This study used eight interpretive signs including four signs produced by imitating the existing self-guided signs in Mudeung-San Provincial Park(MPP) and Naejangsan National Park(NNP) and a sign designed by combining only the most appropriate text attributes. The results showed that a sign in NNP and a sign made up by combining only the optimal text attributes showed lower readability than other signs. It may be related with various influential factors on text readability such as text types, text weight, text familiarity, and text arrangement. Especially, the low readability of the sign produced by combination of only the most appropriate text attributes was unexpected. It suggests that text arrangement such as paragraphing, changing lines, and indent may affect readability. Management implications were discussed.