A spring module in a sliding-type portable terminal has a first housing and a second housing. In a predetermined portion of the length of the first housing, the spring module applies an elastic force in a direction in which the second housing slides to cover the first housing. In the remaining portion of the length of the first housing, the spring module applies the elastic force in a direction in which the second housing slides to expose the first housing. As a consequence, the elastic force generated by the spring module provides for semi-automatic opening/closing of the sliding-type portable terminal.