This exploratory study examined the perceptions of, and relationship with, marine organisms of 81 urban sixth grade Korean students using a specifically designed survey questionnaire. The study outcomes revealed that these Korean students have limited experience with and different levels of connectedness to marine organisms. Viewed through Kellert's framework of biophilic typology, these Korean students' perceptions of valuing marine organisms were highly utilitarian, negativistic, and scientific in character. This research provides marine environmental educators and practitioners with insights into the varied perceptions of Korean elementary school students. The study's findings may provide insights on the development of ideas on how to more effectively design marine environmental educational experiences that increase ocean literacy within this demographic and possibly other students with similar cultural backgrounds.