Olympic champions Germany topped the other pool with 11 points after thumping New Zealand 5-2 and will meet England in the last four on Thursday, keeping alive hopes of a third successive title.
Netherlands, who finished level with Korea on 10 points, clinched the second semi-final spot from the group by the virtue of goal difference and will take on tournament favourites the Kookaburras.
Korea needed to beat Netherlands by two goals or more to clinch a last-four place ahead of the former champions.
The Dutch went ahead in the opening minute through Ronald Brouwer but speedy Korea counter attacked in spectacular fashion with Nam Hyun-woo and skipper Seo Jong-ho finding the target.
"It was a very, very tough match for us," Netherlands' man of the match Rob Reckers told official broadcasters.
"We really hard to work hard for it but we knew one goal difference was enough for us."
Germany reached its 11th consecutive semi-final after Australia, who won a record 10th Champions Trophy in December, and European champions England progressed from pool B on Monday.
Germany raced to a 3-0 lead in a series of fast attacks to score through Christoph Menke, Florian Fuchs and Philip Witte.
"If we go on like this anything is possible," Germany's man of the match Matthias Witthaus said, referring to the prospect of winning a third straight World Cup.
New Zealand rallied through goals by Shea Mcaleese and Nicholas Wilson before top-ranked Germany regained control through goals by Moritz Furste and Witthaus.
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