Stem rot of perilla (Perilla frutescens var. japonica Hara) occurred sporadically in the exhibition field at Gyeongsangnam-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Korea. The infected stems are water-soaked, rotted, wilted and finally leads to the death of the whole plants. The sclerotia, 1-3 mm, white to brown, spherical, were formed on lesions and the surface of soil line. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth and sclerotia formation was 30 oC on potato dextrose agar and the hyphal width was 4-9 µm. The typical clamp connections were observed in the hyphae of the fungus. On the basis of mycological characteristics and pathogenicity to host plants, this fungus was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo. This is the first report of stem rot on perilla caused by S. rolfsii in Korea.