This correlation study examines the relations between self-esteem and health promoting behavior recognized by emergency medical students. The research instrument developed by M. Rosenber (1962) and translated into Korean by Jeon Byeong Jae (1974) was used and health promoting behavior was measured by a Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) which was revised and complemented for this study. Data collected were analyzed with t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient using SPSS/PC 12.0. The results of this study are summarized as follows: 1) Self-esteem recognized by the subjects scored 3.51 and was higher than the average. 2) The degree of practicing health promoting behavior was higher than the average at 3.16 (±0.46). Sub-categories scored as follows: self-realization area 3.44 (±0.64), interpersonal relationship area 3.06 (±0.63), stress area 2.80 (±0.58), health responsibility area 2.59 (±0.61), nutrition area 2.51 (±0.62), and exercise area 2.41 (±0.76). 3) Self-esteem according to the subjects’ general characteristics was higher for upper classmen than lower classmen, males than females, and older than younger participants. 4) Self-esteem according to the subjects’ health related characteristics was higher in cases when participants felt they were supported mentally and materially from their family, friends, and fellow students. 5) Differences in health promoting behaviors according to the subjects’ general characteristics were higher in males than in females, in 21 through 23 years olds, and in participants with more monthly pocket-money. 6) Differences in health promoting behaviors according to the subjects’ health related characteristics showed that participants who had experience in attending health related classes were higher in the degree of practicing health promoting behaviors. 7) Relations between self-esteem and health promoting behaviors recognized by participants showed positive correlations and all variables of sub-categories showed significant positive correlations.