An electrode assembly and a lithium secondary battery including the same. Heat generation of the electrode tabs is reduced by providing the electrode tabs at the outermost parts of the electrode assembly. An insulation member is attached at the boundary of the electrode tabs and the respective electrode plates. An insulation member is also attached to the uncoated portions formed on the outer circumference of the electrode assembly, thereby preventing internal short circuits either between an uncoated portion and an active material layer or between the uncoated portions. The electrode assembly can be used in pouch, rectangular and cylindrical lithium secondary batteries to prevent an internal short circuit within the batteries.