An electrode assembly and a secondary battery including the same. The electrode assembly includes: a positive electrode plate including a positive electrode active material applied to a positive electrode collector; a negative electrode plate including a negative electrode active material applied to a negative electrode collector; a separator disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and a ceramic layer disposed on a portion of the positive or negative electrode plate, adjacent to an outer surface of the electrode assembly. The positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, ceramic layer, and the separator are wound together. The ceramic layer prevents a short-circuit between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and extends along between about 40% and 90% of the length of the positive or negative electrode plate, from a winding end thereof.