The study investigated the hypothesis (by Stern & Kruckman, 1983) that postnatal depression occurs in cultures where the post-partum period is not clearly structured by specific period, represented by 52 Scottish women; the other where there are definite cultural traditions, represented by 105 Korean women. In both groups the women were interviewed 6--10 weeks after childbirth, and the degree of depression was assessed by Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). Contrary to the hypothesis, the Korean women, on average were more depressed in the post-partum period than their Scottish counterparts. Three possible explanations for the results will be discussed: (1) the biological basis of postnatal depression (2) depression as a reaction to withdrawal of support (3) depression as a somatic response to a stressful life event.