Hot isostatic pressing combined with mold control technique can achieve near-net shaping of complex high-performance components. The mold core is crucial for controlling the internal structural accuracy of the formed parts. Presently, mold cores predominantly employ metallic materials. However, these metallic cores are susceptible to substantial deformation under elevated temperatures and pressures. The removal of acid-induced corrosion is not only inefficient but also environmentally unsound. The diffusion of foreign elements from the metal mold cores results in contamination of parts. Additionally, issues such as embedding of forming powder into the surface lead to poor surface quality of the parts. These problems hinder the development of hot isostatic pressing to the forming of complex internal cavity parts. Ceramic mold cores exhibit low chemical reactivity and minimal interdiffusion with metal elements. Its high temperature hardness and stiffness confer resistance to deformation, and its core removal rate is high under alkaline conditions. The above advantages offer a potential solution to issues caused by metal cores. Based on representative literature and research advancements in the field of ceramic mold cores for casting, this paper focuses on analyzing the synergistic relationship between the mechanical and dissolution properties of ceramic mold cores used in hot isostatic pressing. This paper provides a detailed introduction and comparison of the optimization strategies for mechanical properties, dissolution performance, and moisture resistance of silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide-based ceramics used in hot isostatic pressing cores. This paper also explores complex high-precision structural formation, sintering, and post-processing methods. Additionally, it anticipates challenges and future directions for the application of ceramic cores in the near-net shaping hot isostatic pressing process.