Korea's labor market was analyzed to inform efforts to develop a scheme to improve the utilization of vocational qualifications. The study examined the different meanings of qualifications in South Korea's labor market and how utilization of qualifications is influenced by factors such as types of human resource management, vocational training markets, and labor unions. The data collection methods included analysis of labor panel materials, questionnaires, and a case study. The following strategies for promoting usage of vocational qualifications were among those identified: (1) encourage companies to implement an ability-oriented human resources management, to both advance vocational ability and increase productivity; (2) develop a two-track qualification system consisting of corporate qualifications for use in internal labor markets where job function and seniority-oriented human resource management predominate and a nationwide standardized qualification system for the external labor market in which transfer of human resources frequently occurs; (3) promote qualifications of the external market with a focus on the diverse needs of both employees and companies; (5) analyze and evaluate the uses and outcomes of qualifications on a regular basis; and (6) coordinate promotion of qualifications with investment in companies' human resources management and technology policies. (Thirty-one tables/figures are included. The bibliography lists 29 references) (MN)