With a two-goal advantage at the split, the Black Sticks added to their lead via youngster Olivia Merry mid-way through the second spell.
Korea, who enjoyed a heavy dose of penalty corners throughout the game, eventually pulled one back through Hyo Ju An in the second half.
Prior to that, New Zealand goalkeeper Sally Rutherford had looked nearly unbreakable and pulled off a couple of useful saves during the first frame, which helped the Black Sticks maintain their lead.
New Zealand, ranked fifth in the world to Korea's eighth, were able to close out the game in comfortable fashion, which should give them a boost of confidence as they eye tomorrow's outing against China.
The Six Nations tournament is the flagship product of the inaugural Hawkes Bay Festival of Hockey, which also features games between schools, masters and other representative teams during the two-week extravaganza.
In earlier results today, China beat Japan 2-0, while Argentina cruised past Australia 3-0.
Black Sticks 3 (Anita Punt, Petrea Webster, Olivia Merry)
Korea 1 (Hyo Ju An)
HT: 2-0