Background <p>Knowledge creation (KC) produces resources to synthesize policy evidence and contributes to breakthroughs in unresolved health problems by discovering the previously unknown. Nevertheless, few studies have attempted to analyze which factors contribute to KC. This study aims to investigate the factors hindering the active occurrence of KC by using women’s health research as a representative example of an under-researched healthcare field in South Korea.</p> Methods <p>The study adopted a qualitative approach to exploring factors influencing KC from researchers’ perspectives. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 experts who have experience in planning women’s health research, research policymaking or conducting research in South Korea. Data were analyzed using a qualitative thematic analysis according to Castleberry and Nolen.</p> Results <p>Factors affecting KC across all three government-funded research processes were identified. Most of the identified factors were found to be barriers to KC, rather than enablers. The key influencing factors included a focus on urgent, politicized societal issues rather than ongoing health concerns, insufficient motivation and support for researchers, weak communication within interdisciplinary research teams, and challenges with expanding research networks.</p> Conclusion <p>To bridge the know–do gap in the health policy-making process, it is essential to produce sufficient high-quality knowledge that can serve as policy evidence. The findings of this study illuminate the conditions faced by under-researched topics and identify the factors necessary to enhance KC. We believe our findings will help reshape and invigorate discourse and research policies on KC in healthcare.</p>