This study explored the elements, types, and determining factors of successful aging for the Korean elderly. In order to examine the expectations of the Korean elderly, a sample of 377 elderly aged 65 and over living in Seoul and Kyunggi areas was selected and interviewed. The elements of successful aging that the Korean elderly pointed out in the interviews were: 'peaceful and comfortable life', 'self-maintenance,' 'secure social support,' and 'ostentation.' The expected elements of successful aging were further classified into three types of successful aging: 'idealized expectation.' 'self-centered expectation,' 'balanced self-other expectation.' The elderly groups sorted by the types exhibited significant differences in terms of demographic characteristics, self-evaluated economic status, and self-evaluated health status. The variables that affected the expectations were age, level of education, marital status, gender, and self-evaluated health condition. However, further analysis revealed that the factors that affected the expectation for successful aging were different for male and female elderly. The results suggest that the successful aging of Korean elderly should be understood in the context of Korean society and culture. The results could be used to better understand varied and unique life of Korean elderly, as well as in establishing a basis of intervention that meets the specific demands of the Korean elderly.