The purpose of this study was to examine depression and factors that influence depression in elderly people. The participants for this study were 97 elderly people living in Gyonggi Province, Korea. Data were collected from September 9 to 14, 2002 using a structured questionnaire. SPSS/WIN 10.0 was used to provide descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient and stepwise multiple regression for data analysis. Of the 97 elderly people, 52 were found to have depression (53.6%). Depression showed a positive correlation with the number of chronic diseases (r=.304, p<.01) and negative correlations with self-reported health tatus (r=-.556, p<.001) and social support (r=-.381, p<.001). Depression was influenced by self- reported health status, economic status, and social support (R2= .453, F=21.49, p<.001). Based upon these results, it is suggested that mental health services which provide professional support and reduce depression are essential components of a health promotion service for elderly people and should be linked to social welfare service.