Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between smoking status and depressive symptoms among Korean adults. Methods: We used the data of 17,871 adults aged 19 years or older from the fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(2010-2012). The subjects were classified as nonsmokers, former smokers, and current smokers by gender. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios(ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals(CIs) for the effects of smoking status on depressive symptoms, and depression diagnosed by a doctor. Results: Compared to nonsmokers, the ORs of depressive symptoms for current smokers were 1.11(95% CI, 1.11-1.12) among males, and 1.64(95% CI, 1.63-1.64) among females. Compared to former smokers, the ORs of depressive symptoms for current smokers were 1.05(95% CI, 1.05-1.05) among males, and 1.89(95% CI 1.88-1.90) among females. Compared to nonsmokers, the ORs of depression for current smokers were 0.94(95% CI, 0.94-0.95) among males, and 1.40(95% CI, 1.39-1.41) among females. Compared to former smokers, the ORs of depression for current smokers were 1.09(95% CI, 1.09-1.10) among males, and 0.99(95% CI, 0.99-1.00) among females. Conclusions: Smoking is associated with depressive symptoms among Korean adults. Therefore, it is necessary to consider depressive symptoms with the management of tobacco control policies