Purpose: This article was proposed to describe and summarize the following 1) the structural hierarchy of nursing knowledge and 2) the four different methods of concept analysis and concept development, which are used most frequently in nursing literature, and 3) to demonstrate a qualitative data synthesis of situation-specific theories in Korea in order to provide an venue for developing Korean-contextualized nursing theory. Methods: A literature review and a meta-synthesis were used. An interpretive integration method for the meta-synthesis was used to incorporate incorporating the results of ten qualitative studies in Korea. Results: The normative and extended concept of the self was one of the three foremost concepts. The experiences of being detached from a group and of being unlike others were perceived with distress to Korean participants. Lastly, as a coping method, complying with a higher flow or power was used. Conclusion: Based on the three concepts elicited in this article, a substantive theory which withholds Korean nursing concepts and essences is hoped to be developed in future.