The purpose of this study was to comprehensively analyze research trends in art therapy for depression in the elderly. The study provided basic information, research directions, and evidence for future program implementation in clinical settings. 43 journal articles published in Korea between 2002 and 2023 were analyzed using descriptive statistics based on publication time, research participants, research methods, and research contents. First, the analysis of publication information showed an upward trend from 2002, the year of first publication, to recent years with a high proportion of publications in art therapy journals. Second, the most common participants analyzed in the studies were mixed-gender elderly individuals, medically diagnosed elderly individuals, and homebound elderly individuals. The number of participants ranged from 5 to 8. Third, the most common research method used was mixed methods studies. KGDS was the most frequently used objective instrument, while projective instruments were rarely utilized. Fourth, the analysis of the study contents revealed a high proportion of group art therapy sessions conducted in elderly medical and leisure facilities. The frequency of sessions ranged from 9 to 16, once a week, lasting 41 to 60 minutes per session. Therapeutic goals included psycho-emotional, cognitive, social, sensory, and motor domains. Most studies used flat media and lacked a psychological theoretical approach. The significance and limitations of these findings were discussed.