Purpose: This study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors of suicidal ideation among the elderly in Korea. Methods: This cross-sectional study used secondary data of the 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The participants were 1,097 elderly Koreans who responded to the health survey. Sociodemographics, health related characteristics, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation were obtained through face-to-face interviews. Risk factors of the suicidal ideation were also examined. Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: Of the 1,097 respondents, 30.5% had suicidal ideation during the past year. Depression and stress were the important risk factors; others included mobility, pain/discomfort, chronic illness, smoking, sleep, and leisure time physical activity. Sociodemographic characteristics such as gender, education, and marital status affected suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The high frequency of suicidal ideation in the elderly suggests the necessity of community-based interventions directed at depression and stress.