Somatic embryogenesis is as an excellent technology for potential use in plant mass production, germplasm conservation, or genetic engineering. We examined the effect of cold storage using 3 embryogenic callus lines with different levels of embryogenesis competence derived from immature zygotic embryo cultures of Kalopanax setemlobus. Somatic embryo induction, germination and plant conversion were evaluated after 1, 3 and 6 months storage at 4°C in the dark. Most cold-stored embryogenic calli formed somatic embryos normally even after 6 months; however, the induction rate was gradually decreased by increasing the storage period. The most competent line tended to show a slight decline in somatic embryo induction rate, as compared with other lines after cold storage. In general, cold storage resulted in reduced somatic embryo germination and plant regeneration, although 93% somatic embryo germination and 91% plant conversion were achieved regardless of the storage period. Cold storage led to cell browning and degradation. Additionally, the cell structures were confirmed by the aceto-carmine and evans blue dye evaluation. Collectively, our results showed that embryogenic callus of K. septemlobus could be preserved at 4°C without subculture for 6 months, and suggested the need for storage of relatively more competent embryogenic calli lines to support somatic embryo induction.