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Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of alcohol use on suicidal ideation in Koreans ≥ 12 years old, according to their age group. Methods: The study participants were a representative sample from a community of 21,492 individuals ≥12 years taken from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010 to 2012). The analysis of the collected data included frequencies, X2 tests, t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. This study analyzed the effect of alcohol use after controlling for confounding factors on suicidal ideation (sociodemographic factors, health-related factors, and mental health-related factors). Results: An average frequency of alcohol consumption in middle-aged adults and an average quantity of alcohol consumption in senescence had significant effects on suicidal ideation. Increased AUDIT score increased the risk of suicidal ideation in young and middle aged adults. In young adults, alcohol dependence and being in a high-risk drinking group led to a higher risk of suicidal ideation than in the low-risk drinking group. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that the effect of alcohol use on suicidal ideation was different according to age group. To prevent suicides, intervention strategies related to alcohol use should be developed for each age group.