Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify cultural competence and factors influencing cultural competence of nursing students in South Korea. Methods: Participants in this study were 248 nursing students who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected during November and December, 2012 using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using PASW/WIN 20.0 program and included t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffe? test, and multiple regression. Results: The mean score for cultural competence in nursing students was 3.0 points out of a possible 5. Factors influencing cultural competence in nursing students were identified as being female (β=-.23), third year (β=.30), having foreign friends (β=.29) and fluency (β=.12). These factors explained 18% of cultural competence reported by nursing students (F=10.13, p<.001). Conclusion: The results of this study show the major factors influencing cultural competence in nursing students. Therefore, it is recommended that further cultural competence promotion programs for nursing students be considered directly along with ongoing transcultural experiences.