Objectives This study systematically reviewed the effectiveness of core nursing skill training intervention programs for nursing students in Korea. Methods Literature searches were conducted using the databases RISS, KISS, DBpia, and KCI for papers published up to June 2024, with the keyword ‘core nursing skills’. A total of 130 papers were identified, and ultimately, 14 papers were selected for the literature review. Results The literature review revealed that among the research designs, 1 was randomized and 13 were nonrandomized. Core nursing skill training interventions included studies using various methods of retraining and evaluation (10 papers) and studies using various methods of self-practice and evaluation (4 papers). Retraining and evaluation methods included traditional retraining, STEPS Model retraining, senior mentoring retraining, multimedia retraining, and online learning retraining, while self-practice and evaluation methods included traditional self-practice, scenario-based self-practice, Virtual Reality-based self-practice, and self-observation methods. The most frequently applied core nursing skill was subcutaneous injection, appearing in 10 studies, followed by vital signs measurement, intramuscular injection, intermittent gastric tube feeding, and foley catheterization, each appearing in 8 studies. Outcome variables of core nursing skill training programs showed significant effects on confidence in performance (9 papers), clinical performance ability (4 papers), self-efficacy (3 papers), and knowledge (3 papers). Conclusions Korean nursing colleges have researched various intervention programs to achieve core nursing skill competency levels in accordance with the Nursing Education Evaluation Criteria. These programs have shown significant effects on performance confidence, clinical performance ability, and self-efficacy. Therefore, there is a need to develop and utilize diverse intervention programs to enhance learning motivation and satisfaction among nursing students.