In this study, three tree species (Populus euramericana, Kalopanax pictus and Quercus serrata) exhibiting different levels of shade tolerance were employed to investigate photosynthetic responses to the lower light condition on forest floors. Chlorophyll contents, spectral properties and photosynthetic characteristics were examined by using the tree species grown under high light intensity (PPFD 920μmol m^(-2) s^(-1)) or low light intensity (PPFD 80μmol m^(-2) S^(-1)) . Plants grown under the low light intensity tended to have reduced leaf area, chlorophyll content per unit leaf area, light absorption and respiration in the shade intolerant tree species of P. euramericana. However, the shade tolerant species K. pictus and Q. serrata showed increased leaf area, chlorophyll content and net apparent quantum yield. Therefore, light absorption and light utilization efficiency were improved under the low light intensity. Also shade tolerant species maintained activities of photosystems and CO₂ fixation systems with little changes in low light intensity condition.