AimTo identify the relationships between physical activity, quality of life and successful ageing among community‐dwelling older adults in South Korea.BackgroundWith increasing numbers of financially stable and active older adults, it has become imperative to understand successful ageing to promote well‐being in this population.MethodsQuestionnaire data were collected from senior welfare centres from August to November 2013. Participants were adults aged 65 years or older living in urban areas. Participants were asked to complete self‐report questionnaires assessing physical activity, quality of life and successful ageing. Data from 212 participants were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, ANOVAs with Scheffe tests and ordinary least square and quantile regression models using STATA 12.0.FindingsIn the ordinary least square model, the association between physical activity and successful ageing was not statistically significant, whereas quantile regression revealed significant associations within the 75th and 90th percentiles of successful ageing scores. Quality of life was significantly associated with successful ageing in the ordinary least square model and with the median and 75th percentiles of successful ageing in quantile regressions.ConclusionResults suggested that physical activity and quality of life were both in part significantly associated with successful ageing among Korean older adults.Implications for nursing and health policiesPhysical activity and quality of life play an important role in enhancing successful ageing. The development of an effective exercise programme advertised towards community‐dwelling older adults may be essential for maintaining their successful ageing.