Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify health promoting behavior and life satisfaction in rural elderly people. Method: The data were collected from October 1st 2002 to October 31th, 2003. The participants were 142 elderly people living in Hong Cheon, Korea. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using the SPSS program. Result: The average score for the health promoting behavior was 2.64 (${pm}0.34$), with a minimum of 1.48 and maximum of 3.80. The average scores for each subscale were, nutrition, 2.98, interpersonal support, 2.78, health responsibility, 2.67, self-actualization, 2.66, stress management, 2.58, and exercise, 1.93. Signifiant differences in health promoting behavior were found according to the following general characteristics: education level, religion, senior citizens center usage and allowance. The average score for life satisfaction was 2.68 (${pm}0.42$), with a minimum of 1.38 and a maximum of 3.85. Senior citizens center usage was the only general characteristics that showed a significant difference for life satisfaction. There was a significant positive correlation between health promoting behavior and life satisfaction (r= 0.5783, p=0.001). Self-actualization and stress management had statistically significant casual effects on life satisfaction ($R^2$=0.3961). Conclusion: Effective methods to enhance life satisfaction of rural elderly should emphasize self-actualization and stress management.