Shell medium sized to large (to 220 mm: Ino, 1952), oblong, lightweight, little arched, little convex. Spire low to somewhat elevated, visible in ventral view. Holes medium sized to large, oblong, elevated, usually 2-5 open (Ino, 1952: text-fig. 38). Dorsal surface strongly undulating, with broad and low cords, in interstices fine spiral threads; regular growth lines. Carina between row of holes and columella little distinct. Columella narrow. Coloration in colabral bands of various colors: Sepia, green, cyan, rust, white. Nacre often milky blue. No muscle scar.

Haliotis d. discus has only a somewhat uneven dorsal surface. Haliotis k. kamtschatkana from the northeastern Pacific has a higher shell, and regularly spaced, low, broad, spiral cords without the fine spiral threads.

Korea, Japan: Hokkaido and northeastern Honshu