Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the situational context and describe the factors and attributes pertaining to occupational stress among hospital nurses in Korea. Methods: Secondary data from focus group interviews conducted with 26 hospital nurses were analyzed using the content analysis method. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s content analysis method. Results: Based on the job demand-resource theory, the contents were divided into two major themes: the “excessive job demands” and the “shortage of job resources”.The first theme was summarized into the following four categories: excessive workload and work intensity, complex and difficult work demands, hazardous work environment, and role- and relationship-related conflicts. The second theme was summarized into the following five categories: inadequate staffing, insufficient education and training, lack of support system, poor monetary compensation, and low internal compensation. Conclusion The occupational stress factors of Korean hospital nurses can be summarized as excessive job demands and a lack job resources.