Purpose: The aim of this study is to understand the essential meaning of elementary school students" puberty. Methods: The study used van Manen"s hermeneutic phenomenological method. The study participants were a total of sixteen students in 5th and 6th grade from 3 schools in J province. The data was collected by close interviews along with participants" works such as essay, diary, and with professional artists" works concerning puberty. Results: A total of 3 essential meanings and 7 submeanings were emerged. The essential meanings were ?Changes that are not ready?, ?Changes in the body that became reality?, ?Myself who want to hide from others?. Conclusion: Findings of this study could be utilized in planning educational programs and nursing interventions for elementary school students in puberty.