Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic materials for developing gerontological nursing interventions by examining the correlation between depression and participation in leisure activities among elders aged over 60s according to gender. Method: The subjects of this study were 137 elders aged over 60s living in Seoul on the geriatric depression scale in the reduced form and participation in leisure activities. Results: The results of this study are as follows. First, the level of depression was higher in female elders. Second, among leisure activities, social recreational activities showed difference in elders’ participation between male and female elders. Third, with regard to the correlation between depress and leisure activities, male elders’ depression tended to be low when they had self development activities, family centered activities and religious activities, and female elders’ depression tended to be low when they participated frequently in self development activities, family-centered activities, and social recreational activities. As a whole, female elders showed a lower level of depression when they participated in leisure activities frequently. Conclusion: According to the results, it is considered necessary to differentiate leisure programs between male and female elders, taking account of their general characteristics.