A bit patterned medium in which an exchange coupling layer induces exchange coupling between adjacent bits in order to reduce a switching field difference resulting from different magnetization directions of bits. The exchange coupling layer is disposed either over or under a recording layer having a plurality of bits. The exchange coupling layer induces exchange coupling between a bit which is to be recorded and an adjacent bit and reduces a switching field difference resulting from a difference between the magnetization direction of the bit to be recorded and the magnetization direction of neighboring bits due to an exchange coupling force generated during the exchange coupling.