Purpose: Incorporating simulation modalities into nursing education is known to be effective in enhancing education outcomes. Standardizing the nomenclature of simulation modalities and developing a comprehensive conceptual framework for guiding the development of simulation modules are mandated given the prevalence and disorganization of simulation education. This article, thus, was aimed to summarize literature and propose a conceptual framework for structuralizing simulation education in Korea. Methods: A comprehensive literature review on CINAHL, PubMed, RISS, KISS, DBpia and renowned Korean nursing journals was conducted including articles from 2002 to 2011. Results: The nomenclature of simulation modalities was clarified and summarized. Twenty-eight studies on the effects of simulation education were summarized in a table demonstrating the state of the science in simulation research. In addition, ‘a conceptual framework for three-dimensional nursing simulation education’ was proposed, described in detail, and diagramed. According to ‘the 3D simulation framework’, each three axes, i.e., the scope of practice, complexity, and student competency, has three phases in accomplishing a high level of competency. Conclusion: The proposed ‘3D simulation framework’ is hoped to be a theoretical guide in designing a clinical curriculum utilizing simulation and developing detailed simulation modules in clinical practicum courses.