The purpose of this study was to develop core competency of midwife practices to improve midwifery education, national examination and clinical practices.

Literature and document review and internet search and survey were used. 127 registered in the Korean Midwifery Association midwives by structured instrument were surveyed to analyze midwife's practices and work situation.

Midwifery education program has to be either a post graduate or a graduate program for people with nursing license. Midwifery practice has to be extended to a lifelong health care of all women including non-pregnant women, not just a health care of pregnant women and newborns. Thus, a primary health care of women, laws/ethics, and management skills were included in the core competencies of midwifery practice considering the international trend of future-oriented and extended role of a midwife. Also, newborn care and ability to cope with emergency situations were emphasized based on the midwife's opinion.

This study has to be developed midwifery practices and education and the standard of midwifery practice has to be stated based on that result.