Field studies at Suwon, Cheorwon, and Jinbu were carried out to determine the relationship between mean temperature from transplanting to heading (MT) and growth at heading stage of rice. P lant height (P H) and dry weight (DW) at heading stage were significantly correlated with MT, showing second degree polynomials. The optimal temperatures for PH and DW were 23.2 ℃ and 22.8 ℃, respectively. Little differences in rice growth among soils collected from the experimental sites and the temperature-response in a phytotron study supported that MT was the main determinant of the growth shown in the field study. Though number of days to heading increased as MT decreased, cumulative temperatures (CT) affected by sites and MT for given varieties were fairly constant. When applying specific CT for each of the varieties to the temperature in North Korea, (1) five regions (Kaesong, Haeju, Sariwon, Nampo, Pyongyang) were suitable for early to mid-maturing varieties and (2) 14 regions (Yongyon, Singye, Anju, Kusong, Sinuiju, Changjon, Wonsan, Hamhung, Pyonggang, Yangdok, Huichon, Supung, Sinpo, Kanggye) were suitable only for early-maturing varieties. In (1) regions, the similar extent of growth with that in Suwon could be achieved when mid-maturing varieties grown in Suwon are cultivated. Among (2) regions, early-maturing varieties are expected to demonstrate the similar extent of growth with that in Cheorwon in 9 regions except Hamhung, Kanggye, Pyonggang, Yangdok, and Sinpo. For Hamhung and Kanggye, the target PH was assessed as 4cm higher than that shown in Cheorwon. P lant height of 8-14cm and DW of 2-4g per hill greater than those shown in Cheorwon were the target growth for P yonggang, Yangdok, and Sinpo to attain the similar amount of growth with that in Cheorwon. It is suggested that rice varieties for North Korea could be bred by adjusting the target growth at the breeding sites in South Korea.