Cultivation of Korea ginseng in newly reclaimed and paddy-converted fields has been increasing, and evaluation of organic amendment effectiveness is needed in the two soil types. Soil organisms influence organic matter decomposition, and their responses to applications of organic matter were studied. De-oiled cake and compost were applied at 20 Mg ha<sup>-1</sup> and 40 Mg ha<sup>-1</sup> in both soil types. Changes in microflora were assessed by analyzing phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA). The abundance of nematodes and microarthropods was measured. Microbial PLFA indicators for microorganisms and microarthropod abundance were greater in reclaimed upland than in paddy-converted soil. There were few differences in the microflora and fauna of reclaimed uplands, regardless of treatment. In paddy-converted soil, the abundance of Oribatida was increased by the application of compost at 20 Mg ha<sup>-1</sup> and was correlated with PLFA indicators of fungi. The results suggested a minimal influence of organic amendments in reclaimed upland, because the organic matter content and abundance of soil organisms are low in mineral soils. In paddy-converted soil, the effects of organic amendment differ among different soil organisms, and soil properties are important mediators of the effect.