Fully dense MgB2 bulk specimens (similar tohigher than 99% dense) were prepared using spark plasma sintering (SPS) at 1250degreesC for 15 min. Microstructure analyses revealed that faceted MgO particles of similar to8% volume fraction were dispersed in the MgB2 matrix. A sharp superconducting transition with an onset temperature of 38.5 K was confirmed by both magnetization and resistivity measurements.