Purpose: The Purpose of this study was to compare stress level and stress coping behavior of elementary students in southern and northern area of Han river. Methods: This was a descriptive comparative survey using a convenience sample of 403 5<SUP>th</SUP>-and 6<SUP>th</SUP>-grade students. The data were analyzed by X<SUP>2</SUP>-test, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression using SPSS 11.5 statistical program. Results: The level of stress and stress coping behavior according to northern and southern elementary students of seoul, Stress levels tended to increase more significantly with less satisfied life, more study time, in female students than male students. in northern students, and with more individual factors. With regard to stress coping behaviors. students with higher life-satisfaction tended to use active coping, and female students used more positive and mystic coping than negative coping. Conclusion: Students living in northern area, and more female students than male students showed a high level of stress, and students with a higher stress level were better able to cope with stress. Thus, it could be concluded that programs to lower stress levels are needed more than stress intervention programs.