Using the Hakanson Risk Index, the spatial patterns of potential heavy metal (HM) ecological risks were studied. 106 soil and sediment samples were collected from September to October,2007 along the Yellow Sea Coast, and analyzed for the concentrations of heavy metals including metals of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd. By software of GS+, the RI indices were interpolated. Data analysis revealed a dichotomy of HM levels and the associated potential for ecological risk, with northern areas having higher HM concentrations and greater risk indices while southern areas having lower levels of HM and RIs. RIs were also higher in inland areas than near the coastal areas. Our data revealed that the average HM concentrations in agricultural areas were higher than the average value of all samples. In contrast, the average HM concentrations from aquaculture areas were lower than the overall average. These data suggest the need for two overall target areas for ongoing risk investigations, one centered on controlling HM sources and offsite transport at highly disturbed locations, such as Sheyang Harbor, Sheyang Power Plant, Dafeng Habor, which are located in the north, and a second focused on the less disturbed southern areas, particularly nature reserves where maintenance of biological diversity and ecointegrity is paramount, including the Sheyang RedCrown Crane Natural Reserved Areas, the Dafeng Moose Natural Reserved Lands, and the southern radiation sand areas.