Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-esteem and depression m the elders who are residents m welfare facilities and to provide basic data for developing nursing intervention programs for these people. Methods: The participants in this study were 192 older people who scored 24 or higher on the K-MMSE (Korean-Mini Mental State Examination), and have lived for three months or more in one of 4 institutions located in B Metropolitan City. The data were collected by structured questionnaire from August 1 to 20 2006 and frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data with the SPSS/12.0 program. Results: 1. The score for self-esteem of the participants was 33.70±7.20 (tool range: 10-50), and for depression, 6.57±3.98 (tool range: 0-15). 2. There was a slightly negative correlation between self-esteem and depression (r=-.388, p=.000). 3. There were significant differences in self-esteem according to education level (F=4.486, p=.012), and level of intention to be admitted to facility (F=7.504, p=.000). 4. There was significant difference in depression according to education level (F=3.832, p=.023), type of religion (F=3.837, p=.005), level of intention to be admitted to facility (F=7.987, p=.000). Conclusion: This study might help in developing nursing intervention programs to improve self-esteem and reduce depression these elders.