Objective To investigate the correlation between MDM2 SNP309 and gastric cancer (GC) risk in Eastern Asian population. Methods Two reviewers independently searched MEDLINE, EMbase and CBM (from January 1st, 1990 to October 23rd, 2012) for case-control studies on the correlation between MDM2 SNP309 and GC risk in Eastern Asian population. Two reviewers independently screen literature, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality. Then meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results 5 case-control studies were finally included involving 1 621 GC cases and 2 639 controls. The pooled results showed that the variant homozygote (309GG genotype) was significantly associated with an increased risk of GC as compared to wild-type homozygote (309TT genotype: OR=1.54, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.29, P=0.02). Nevertheless, no association was found in comparison of variant heterozygote (309TG genotype) between wild-homozygote (309TT genotype: OR=1.03, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.42, P=0.006). A significantly increased risk of GC was observed for the recessive model (GG vs. TT/TG: OR=1.49, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.84, P=0.07). While in the dominant model (GG/TG vs. TT), non-significant association was observed (OR=1.18, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.65, P=0.001). Conclusion The MDM2 309GG may be significantly associated with an increased risk of GC among Eastern Asians.