The purpose of the study was to understand and explore the quality of life in cancer patients in the context of a Korean culture and society. Grounded theory method guided the data collection and analysis. A total of 10 cancer patients was selected by a theoretical sampling. The data were collected by an open question. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Constant comparison analysis was employed to analyze the data. As the results, eighty-five concepts and twelve categories were emerged, and "keeping well-being status" identified as a core category. Quality of life related categories derived from this study will academically contribute to the understanding and expansion of theoretical bases for quality of life of Korean cancer patients and to the contexts for the development of measurement of quality of life. Furthermore, they will function as the foundation of a intervention development for quality of life.