Purpose: This study aimed to identify the relationship between empathic ability and cultural competency in university nursing students. Methods: This correlational study involved 139 second-and third-year nursing students. They completed a 3-part questionnaire comprising items assessing general characteristics (9), empathic ability (30), and cultural competency (27). Results: The mean scores for empathy and cultural competency were 106.0 and 78.7, respectively. Empathy did not differ significantly by general characteristics. However, cultural competency significantly differed by foreign language skill. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the nursing students' empathic ability and cultural competency. Conclusion: Nursing students' empathic ability and cultural competency need to be enhanced to ensure the provision of high-quality nursing services to foreign patients.