The Japanese, the runners-up for the past four editions of the tournament, came through 6-5 after the contest went to an extra end.

In the eighth end, Japan's skip Yusuke Morozumi played a decisive raised takeout to give his team a crucial two points and a 5-4 lead.

South Korea blanked the ninth to ensure the hammer in the final 10th end, where they managed to score a single point to ensure the game would continue.

In the extra end, Korea skip Yoo Hyuk Kim attempted to move two Japanese stones with his final effort to force a steal, but he was off-target.

This allowed Japan to move through to the final with a single stone scoring.

As well as reaching the final, Japan have also qualified for the 2017 World Curling Championship in Canadian city Edmonton, which presents the possibility of earning a place at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics.

"I’m feeling super happy to go to the Worlds," said Morozumi.

"We couldn’t qualify for the Olympics for 20 years and then we have a big chance to go to the Olympics and that is a big thing for Japan curling, especially the men."

Japan will play China in tomorrow's final, after they beat first-time semi-finalists Chinese Taipei 11-5 to go through and also book their place at the Worlds.

In the women's tournament, the final will be between China and South Korea.

The Chinese knocked out Japan 6-3, with the hosts thrashing New Zealand 12-4.

Both countries will play in the Women's World Championships in Beijing next year.

"I feel great," said China's skip Bingyu Wang. 

"Today Japan played very well, that was a great game, but we are grateful for our confidence and going to the final with our new team. 

"We made the better shots, they are so strong, but we focused on the rocks and ice to win the game."