Objective Metabolic syndrome is associated with the presence of a low grade sub-clinical inflammatory process. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), fibrinogen, and homocysteine have been suggested as inflammatory markers, insulin resistance or cardiovascular disease risk predictors. The aim of this study is to estimate the association of inflammatory markers with cardiovascular disease risk factors and metabolic syndrome in an apparently healthy general population. Methods We retrospectively studied 1,862 asymptomatic Korean adults of 20 years old or older who underwent voluntary regular health check-ups at the Health Promotion Center of Chosun University Hospital from January 2008 to June 2010. Individuals previously diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia and those treated with hypoglycemic agents, antihypertensive agents, and lipid lowering agents were excluded. Results Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analyses showed that hs-CRP was significantly associated with glucose and HbA1c. Fibrinogen was significantly associated with BMI, HbA1c, waist circumference, and HDL cholesterol. Homocysteing was significantly associated with LDL cholesterol, Triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. Conclusion hs-CRP, fibrinogen, and homocysteine were significantly associated with cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome in an apparently healthy general population. Fibrinogen is a better marker that predicts the development of metablic syndrome or cardiovascular disease.