Korean Ip Address
How to Get a South Korean IP Address from Anywhere in 2021
If you are outside South Korea, you might have trouble watching South Korean networks like SpoTV online. Many websites look at your IP address to find out where you are.
If you’re not in South Korea, you’ll have limited access or be blocked from the site altogether, an annoying problem known as geoblocking. You might even have issues accessing your banking portal. To bypass the blocks, you need a South Korean IP address.
The good news is that there’s a quick fix. You can easily get a new IP in South Korea with a high-quality VPN, no matter where you are. Read on to find out how.
How a VPN Can Get You a South Korean IP Address
A VPN tunnels your internet traffic through a remote server before sending it along to the websites you want to use. The result is that websites see the South Korea-based IP of the VPN server, not your actual location.
Just connect to a server your VPN operates in South Korea, and every streaming site, including SpoTV, will think you’re in the country. You’ll get unlimited access to any South Korean site or service. And that’s just the beginning of what the best VPNs can do for you.
The Best VPNs to Get a South Korea IP Address – Full Analysis (Updated October 2021)
1. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Streaming Local and Global Content
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ExpressVPN is our choice for streaming, with industry-leading security technology and server speeds. It has a well-deserved reputation among users for reliably unlocking SpoTV, US Netflix, and the BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN has at least two server locations in South Korea, which means you have several unique South Korean IP addresses to choose from. It uses military-grade AES encryption and offers advanced security features, like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
If you’re a new user, you can sign up with the peace of mind of a 30-day, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN can unblock:
Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer.
Supports torrenting:
Yes, all servers support P2P activity.
ExpressVPN works on these devices:
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Linux, Chrome, and Firefox. It also offers an app for use with certain routers.
Get ExpressVPN Now!
2. CyberGhost – Beginner-Friendly VPN for First-Time Users
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CyberGhost is one of our highest-rated VPNs by users, and our experts see many reasons why. An impressive selection of topnotch security features, a large global server network, and generously priced subscriptions plans top the list.
CyberGhost has 7 servers in South Korea, and they all support P2P activity. One subscription covers up to 7 devices at once, making this VPN a great choice to protect the whole family.
All of CyberGhost’s plan prices are competitive, but you get huge discounts on long-term subscriptions. New users enjoy a 45-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost can unblock:
Dedicated streaming profile with servers optimized for: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Comedy Central, Eurosport, ESPN, and others.
Yes; dedicated profile shows countries and number of users.
CyberGhost works on these devices:
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, Android TV, Linux, and Chrome.
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A VPN Also Keeps You Safe & Lets You Stream Almost Anything
A good VPN also secures your connection against cyberattacks, encrypts your data, and uses advanced security features to keep you anonymous.
You can use public WiFi without worrying about hacking and search the web without Google or your internet service provider (ISP) logging information about your activity. You can also avoid surveillance by data harvesters, ad agencies, and government authorities.
A South Korean IP address from a reliable VPN also lets you conduct insider market research within the country. You can trick websites into showing you Korean language content by default, giving you a “secret weapon” to stay ahead of competitors.
Proxies and other free IP spoofing services can also change your IP address, but they don’t offer the same security as high-end VPNs do. Proxies offer fewer IP addresses and use less advanced encryption methods, putting sensitive financial and business data at risk.
Meanwhile, so-called free VPNs have slow server speeds and limit your bandwidth. We don’t recommend them for streaming or downloading because of all the lag and buffering. Many of these services also get detected and blocked by streaming sites.
The VPNs we recommend have earned their status as top-rated services. Stick with them, and you’ll never have any issues with your IP address in South Korea.
What to Look for in a VPN
For the highest security and best browsing and streaming experience, look for a premium VPN with these features:
Fast servers: To download quickly or stream without lag, look for VPNs that offer unlimited bandwidth and lightning-fast speeds.
Servers in South Korea: You will need at least one local server to get a South Korean IP address.
No-logs policy: If you want to ensure your personal information is never stored or shared, make sure your VPN does not keep any user or activity logs.
Cross-platform apps: Protect every device in your household with a VPN that offers apps for all popular operating systems.
Advanced security features: Look for strong encryption, a kill switch, and additional features like multi-hop (double VPN) for complete anonymity.
FAQs
Is it illegal to use a VPN in South Korea?
No. While South Korea monitors internet content, using a VPN is still legal there. It’s very common for citizens to use VPNs to access otherwise restricted topical content like porn or certain news sites. Getting caught viewing these sites can lead to serious consequences and the government in South Korea watches internet activity closely. A strong VPN like ExpressVPN is the only way to remain anonymous.
Can I use one VPN on all my mobile devices?
It depends, not all VPNs work on multiple mobile platforms, or only include important features like kill switches for major platforms like iOS and Android. If you’re traveling to South Korea, you can use the handy compatibility guide under each of our vendor descriptions above to find the best fit.
Want to know more about the best VPNs for travelers? Read our blog on the best VPNs for digital nomads.
Do I need a VPN with a kill switch?
Yes, and you should want one. A kill switch disconnects you from the internet if the VPN fails, so your true location and browsing activity can’t be traced. While tourists don’t need to worry about the repercussions of accessing forbidden sites in South Korea, citizens that get caught can face heavy penalties. With advanced features like a kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection, you’ll be covered.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for a South Korea IP address in 2021…
Privacy Alert!
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we’ve tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it’s currently offering 49% off.
Visit ExpressVPN
How to switch my IP address to South Korea using a VPN
Want to know how to change your IP address to South Korea? In this post, we’ll explain what exactly a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is, and which VPNs are best at getting you a South Korea IP address.
@IanGarland_ UPDATED: April 8, 2021
Popular sites and services are increasingly using geo-blocking to restrict access to their content. Usually, this takes the form of an IP address check, where you’re only allowed to use the service if your IP address comes from a specific country. So if you want to access content and services in South Korea, you’re going to need a South Korea IP address. You can do this by connecting to a VPN. Whenever you use a VPN, you’re given a new, region-specific IP address (based on your chosen server’s location), making it trivially simple to bypass these regional restrictions and use geo-blocked platforms from abroad.
There’s a widespread assumption that what you get up to online is private, but really, everyone from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to your employer, and in some countries, even the government, can see exactly which sites you visit and what you do on them. VPNs also prevent this and enhance your online privacy by encrypting your traffic, ensuring it can’t be read by any third-party observers.
How to get a South Korea IP address using a VPN
With the right VPN, getting an IP address from South Korea is very straightforward. Below, we’ll walk you through it.
Here’s how to get a South Korea IP address:
Begin by signing up for one of the VPNs listed below (we recommend NordVPN).
Download and install the app. There will be several different versions so be sure to get the relevant one for your device.
Connect to any of your VPN’s South Korean servers.
Try visiting a geo-blocked South Korean site. Content should load immediately, and if not, it usually will after clearing your cache and cookies, then refreshing the page.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE? NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for South Korea with no restrictions at all for a month. This makes it a great option if you want to binge your favorite shows while traveling abroad.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
We cover each provider in a lot of detail below, but if you only have time for a quick glance, here’s a summary list of the best VPNs for a South Korea IP address:
NordVPN: Our top choice for getting an IP address for South Korea Huge network of servers. Zero logs and impeccable security. Exceptional speeds and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark: Budget provider that offers an impressive array of security features, as well as decent speeds and strong unblocking ability. Connect as many devices as you like.
ExpressVPN: A fast network of servers dotted around the globe. Easy to use apps for all major platforms that are great for privacy and security.
CyberGhost: Top security, fast speeds, and no logs. Apps are easy to use and beginner-friendly.
IPVanish: Preferred by Kodi users for its remote control friendly dashboard. Fast and secure.
PrivateVPN: Newest network on this list with fewer servers to choose from, but great for unblocking geo-restricted content.
If you’d like to watch a particular event live, we highly recommend running through the steps above before it actually begins. In doing so, you ensure that if anything goes wrong, you’ll still have time to contact customer support. This also means you’re less likely to miss anything.
With so many competing VPNs, it’s often difficult to decide which is best for a particular task. With this in mind, when finding the best VPNs for getting a South Korean IP address, we decided to only consider services with all of the characteristics below:
Criteria for selecting the best VPNs
Has at least one South Korean server, preferably more
Provides high speeds and reliable connections
Uses 256-bit encryption and offers various other security features
Does not log any information that could identify you
Offers apps for all of the most popular operating systems
What’s the best VPN to get a South Korea IP address?
Here’s our full rundown of the best VPNs you can use to switch your IP address to South Korea:
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN has one of the largest networks of any major VPN provider, with more than 5, 000 servers spread across 62 countries, including six in South Korea. This service offers high speeds and the ability to bypass all but the most stubborn geo-restriction measures, meaning it’s ideal for people looking to stream Korean TV from abroad. It allows up to six connections at once, so you can browse safely at home and on-the-go.
This service comes with a suite of advanced security features. There’s 256-bit encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and protection against port forwarding, IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. That’s not all: NordVPN includes ad-blocking, malware-scanning, dual VPN, and Tor over VPN functionality. It doesn’t log any information which could identify you, and you can pay with Bitcoin if you’d like an extra layer of anonymity. Live, chat-based support is available 24/7.
NordVPN has apps for Windows, Android, Linux, MacOS, and iOS devices. It can be manually installed on supported wireless routers.
Pros:
Major emphasis on security and privacy
No-logs policy
Faster than any of its rivals
Excellent unblocking abilities
Expansive server network
Cons:
Some server connections are slow and unreliable
BEST VPN FOR SOUTH KOREA:NordVPN is our top choice. It’s a secure, speedy VPN that makes getting a South Korean IP address easy. Keeps no logs and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our full review of NordVPN.
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2. Surfshark
Surfshark has over 1, 700 speedy servers spread across South Korea and 60+ other countries. This means that it’s a strong choice whether you’re looking to watch KBS, SBS, or BBC channels. Best of all, while many other providers limit the number of connections you can have, Surfshark is happy for its users to secure every device they own simultaneously.
This VPN uses an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to keep your activities hidden from snoopers. There’s also a toggleable NoBorders mode that lets you browse freely while traveling in countries like China. Surfshark accepts Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum and doesn’t log any personally identifiable info. Live chat-based support staff are on-hand 24/7 just in case.
Surfshark provides iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. It can also be manually configured for use with select network routers.
Speedy and reliable
Unblocks many popular streaming platforms
Keeps you safe with cutting edge security features
Some slow speeds encountered during testing
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost provider with reliable Korean servers, great unblocking ability, and no connection limit. Still not convinced? There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN currently has more than 3, 000 servers in 94 different countries, including South Korea. This service is fast enough to stream live HD video without any noticeable buffering, and since it also boasts strong unblocking ability, you can use it to watch Korean platforms like EBS TV and SBS from anywhere.
This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (in its desktop apps) to keep your activities private. Privacy-conscious users can sign up almost completely anonymously by paying with Bitcoin and using a disposable email address. ExpressVPN logs no personally identifiable information. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.
ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. There’s also custom router firmware, making it easy to protect all of your devices at once.
Extremely fast download/streaming speeds
Anonymous payment option (Bitcoin) available
Solid privacy and security
Unblocks various Korean platforms
Slightly more expensive
Could provide more control over advanced functionality
FAST KOREAN SERVERS:ExpressVPN is a quick and reliable option for getting a South Korea IP address. It’s fast and secure, with excellent unblocking potential and a major focus on your privacy. It even includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our review of ExpressVPN.
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4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers the most South Korean servers of any VPN in this list (seven) and has more than 3, 500 in 60 countries globally. It’s a very fast service, and apps enable you to view the current load of each server, making it easy to gain a low-latency connection no matter where you are in the world. Additionally, CyberGhost permits up to seven simultaneous connections, while most of its rivals allow between three and six.
This service is extremely user-friendly and all of its security features are enabled by default. These include 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware-scanner, and a kill switch (which is available in all versions). Perhaps most importantly, CyberGhost doesn’t log any information that could be traced back to you. If you run into any problems, you can reach customer support 24/7 via live chat.
CyberGhost offers apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Linux systems and select internet routers are also supported, but require manual configuration.
Impressive streaming and downloading speeds
All security features enabled by default
Great at unblocking region-locked services
Keeps no logs
Less suitable for power users
Doesn’t work in China
POWERFUL, LOW-COST VPN:CyberGhost is a fast, easy-to-use VPN offering reliable, affordable protection and access to several South Korean servers. It even comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our in-depth CyberGhost review.
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5. IPVanish
IPVanish currently has two servers in South Korea and over 1, 100 others across more than 60 countries. This service is fast enough to live stream HD video with no noticeable buffering, and best of all, it allows up to ten simultaneous connections, so you’ll be able to protect all of your devices with a single account.
This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a kill switch (desktop apps only) to ensure you’re protected at all times. There’s also the option to change your IP address at preset intervals, block local connections, and obfuscate OpenVPN traffic if you’d like a more advanced security setup. IPVanish keeps no logs whatsoever, meaning they can’t provide details of your activities under any circumstances. Live chat is available 24/7 should you need any assistance.
IPVanish has Windows, Android, Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV, MacOS, and iOS apps. Manual configuration is required for use with Linux systems and select network routers.
Use any number ofdevices simultaneously
Very fast speeds
Top-notch security and privacy considerations
Struggles to unblock larger streaming platforms
Doesn’t accept Bitcoin
BROWSE SAFELY ANYWHERE:IPVanish is a fast, log-free, highly secure VPN with multiple servers in South Korea. Its lack of a connection limit makes it ideal for users looking to protect lots of devices at once. IPVanish plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
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6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN might not have as many servers as some of its competitors (88 in total, throughout 59 countries including South Korea), but it does offer blazing fast speeds. It’s effective at bypassing geo-restriction measures and would be a strong choice for anyone looking to use platforms like EBS TV or TV Chosun abroad.
256-bit encryption is enabled by default, but PrivateVPN includes a kill switch (Windows only), and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. This service has a strict no-logs policy and allows users to pay with Bitcoin, so there’s no risk of your activities being traced back to you. PrivateVPN’s live chat support service is available 22 hours per day (excluding 1-3PM PST), and with your permission, the staff can remotely install or configure the software for you.
PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. It works on Linux and select wireless routers with manual installation.
Speeds are good enough for high-quality streaming
Zero-logs provider
Provides a secure, encrypted connection
Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list
RELIABLE, HIGH-SPEED BROWSING:PrivateVPN provides fast, consistent connections to its South Korean server and doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee so you have nothing to lose by trying it.
Here’s our full review of PrivateVPN.
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Can I get an IP address from South Korea with a free VPN?
Free VPNs can seem appealing but are rarely work as well as they claim to. Take their speeds: usually, they’ll have fewer servers than paid services, but more users. This means you can expect pages to load extremely slowly, and video to buffer for long periods of time, if they load at all. Additionally, free VPNs are unlikely to have South Korean servers and are often the first to be blacklisted by popular services like Netflix, which makes free VPNs a poor choice for streaming South Korean content abroad.
As free VPNs don’t charge the user upfront, they find other ways to make money. You’ll almost always find that they insert ads into the pages you visit, but the real problem is that some services resort to shadier methods. For instance, some store tracking cookies on your device that allow them to keep track of which websites you visit and how often. This data is recorded over long periods of time and once enough has been collected, it’s sold to advertisers, most commonly without your knowledge.
Unfortunately, there are people looking to take advantage of your interest in online privacy. A 2016 study tested more than 280 free VPN apps and concluded that nearly 40% included malware. Equally troubling, 66% leaked personal information over DNS, and 18% (22 services) never used any encryption whatsoever. These risks aren’t limited to little-known services, either: we’ve even seen one major VPN sell user bandwidth to help run a botnet.
To be as safe as possible, we recommend using a reputable VPN that puts user privacy first.
Will I be able to stream South Korean TV online with a VPN?
Most geo-restricted services simply check the user’s IP address to see if they’re in a supported country or not. This means that by connecting to one of your VPN’s servers in the relevant country (in this case, South Korea), you’ll be able to browse the internet as though you were actually there. As such, you can use a VPN to stream content on platforms like EBS TV, Oksusu, SBS, and TV Chosun, no matter where you are in the world.
You should note, however, that some services have more advanced geo-blocking measures than others. For example, you may have to provide a local address or phone number during registration or use a payment method that’s only available in a particular country. These restrictions allow South Koreans who are currently abroad to sign up, while making it very difficult for foreign users.
What else is a South Korean IP address good for?
You might have received an email at some point letting you know that someone has tried to access one of your accounts from another country. These automated alerts are intended to keep you safe, but most of the time, they can’t tell whether you’re being hacked or simply trying to log in while on vacation. Luckily, you can avoid this issue by connecting to a VPN beforehand. From the service’s point of view, you’ll be attempting to login from your home country, which means you’re less likely be receive an alert or have account access suspended.
Public wifi networks are a convenient way to stay connected in a foreign country, but they come with several disadvantages. Firstly, they often place arbitrary restrictions on which sites you can visit. Second, your activities may be monitored, and it’s difficult to tell who by. Finally, these networks are a prime target for hackers as they’re often poorly secured. A VPN fixes all of these issues: their encryption prevents anyone from seeing what you do online, and since your traffic is routed through another country, you can access any site regardless of whether it’s blocked or not.
Internet restrictions in South Korea
South Korea has fairly extensive internet censorship. Sites hosting pornography, pro-North Korean material, unrated games (whether or not you can gamble on the outcome), or criticism of the South Korean government are routinely blocked by the Korea Communication Standards Division. This organization’s 2017 report (PDF) shows that it approved 66, 659 of 91, 853 applications for blocking.
Additionally, unlike in other parts of the world, South Korean law does not consider the truth to be a valid defense against defamation: if a person’s reputation is damaged by what you post, you can still be charged. These laws are often used to silence critics of the government or those who reveal information which is arguably in the public interest.
7 Best VPN Service Providers for South Korea in 2021 – Comparitech
Would you like to access foreign, geo-blocked services when in South Korea? We reveal the best VPNs for South Korea so you can access your usual services from home plus bypass internet censorship.
@IanGarland_ UPDATED: April 8, 2021
South Korea might not censor the internet as heavily as China or the UAE, but there are definitely restrictions in place. You can quickly and easily increase online security with a VPN, though: they encrypt your traffic, preventing it from being read by the government, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or malicious third parties.
Additionally, VPNs enable you to route your traffic through servers elsewhere in the world. This grants you a temporary, region-specific IP address, letting you easily bypass country-wide restrictions and freely access the internet. This is useful in countries with strict online censorship, but also makes it very simple to access popular services from home while traveling abroad including US Netflix, BBC and many others.
In this article, we’ll cover each VPN that works in South Korea in detail. If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s our summary list of the best VPN service providers for South Korea:
NordVPN Our first choice for South Korea! More security options than most VPNs. Zero logs kept. Superfast speeds and great at unblocking. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark Budget choice. A security and privacy-conscious service with good speeds, no connection limit, and the ability to easily bypass South Korean internet restrictions.
ExpressVPN Fast connection speeds and unblocks most popular streaming services. Secure and private.
IPVanish Fast connections with up to ten connections permitted.
PrivateVPN Good unblocking potential. Has a no logging policy.
Hotspot Shield This service is very fast, with easy-to-use apps and a host of powerful security features, making it a natural choice for South Korean users.
CyberGhost Versatile, inexpensive VPN, offers one-click unblocking.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE? NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for South Korea with no restrictions for a month—great if you want to stay up-to-date with your favorite show while traveling.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Best VPN service providers for South Korea
With so many different VPNs on the market, it’s often difficult to accurately compare one to another. To find the best VPNs for South Korea, we looked for services with the characteristics below:
Able to bypass South Korean internet restrictions.
Offers a fast, reliable connection.
Has a large network of servers, with multiple servers in high-traffic countries like the US.
Uses effectively uncrackable encryption and offers additional, more advanced security features.
Does not log any personally identifiable information. Ideally keeps no logs whatsoever.
Includes apps for all of the most popular operating systems and devices.
Below, you’ll find our list of the best VPNs for bypassing internet censorship in South Korea.
1. NordVPN
Oct 2021
Works in South KoreaTested Oct 2021
Apps Available:
PC
Mac
IOS
Android
Linux
NordVPN is our top pick for a South Korea VPN. It has one of the largest server networks available, with more than 5, 500 servers spanning 59 countries which also includes 10 servers in South Korea. It pegs incredible speeds and is more than fast enough to stream live HD video with no noticeable buffering, and unblocks some of the most popular streaming services including Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV. Further, NordVPN offers specific servers optimized for P2P file-sharing, DDoS protection, and using the internet from countries with strict online censorship.
This service includes a wealth of security features. It uses 256-bit strong encryption and protects against WebRTC, DNS, IPv6, and port-forwarding leaks. Users can turn on automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, use two VPNs simultaneously, or even access Tor over VPN. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning your activities stay private at all times. If you’d like to register anonymously, you can use a disposable email address and pay with Bitcoin.
NordVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The service requires manual installation to work with network routers.
Pros:
Unmatched download speeds
Huge network of servers
More security options than most VPNs
Servers optimized for various tasks
Zero logs kept
24/7 chat support
Cons:
The desktop app can be slow to connect
BEST VPN FOR SOUTH KOREA:NordVPN is our top pick. It enables you to perfectly tailor your security setup. It’s a strong, general-purpose VPN with high speeds, great unblocking ability, and servers optimized for specific tasks. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
NordVPN CouponSAVE 72% + 3 months freeGet Deal >Discount applied automatically
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a great low-cost alternative. It has more than 3, 200 VPN server locations across 65+ countries including South Korea. It offers unlimited bandwidth, reasonable internet connection speeds, and excellent unblocking ability, which means you won’t have any problems, whether you’re using P2P networks, streaming Netflix US, or just browsing. Unlike most VPNs, Surfshark has no connection limit and as such, you can protect every device you have with just one account.
This service takes your security seriously. It uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks to keep your traffic secure, although you can let certain apps bypass the VPN using the built-in split tunneling functionality. Surfshark even has a NoBorders feature that lets you browse freely in countries with strict online blocking (like South Korea). This service doesn’t log any personally identifiable information but you can pay in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple for greater anonymity. Support is available via 24/7 live chat.
Surfshark offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It can also be manually installed on supported internet routers.
Unblocks a wide range of region-locked services
Fast enough for HD streaming
Takes your security and online privacy seriously
Unlimited connections
Around-the-clock support
Some slow download speeds
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark lets you browse the internet freely in South Korea, and its powerful security and privacy features mean you’re effectively untraceable once connected. This VPN is fast, allows an unlimited number of connections, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
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3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a fast service offering secure access to more than 3, 000 fast servers in 94 countries. It’s highly versatile, with excellent multi-platform support, the option to choose not just your desired country, but city too, and the ability to access platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
This VPN protects your traffic with 256-bit AES military-grade encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. Its desktop apps include a kill switch that automatically blocks any data transferal if you disconnect unexpectedly. ExpressVPN offers 24/7 support over live chat. Best of all, this service doesn’t log any information that could identify you, and you can even pay with Bitcoin for increased anonymity.
ExpressVPN comes with apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It must be manually configured on routers, but ExpressVPN has custom firmware to make this straightforward as possible.
Fast speeds
Highly secure
Apps for all popular platforms
Great for video streaming and content unblocking
More expensive than other providers on this list
PRIVACY-FIRST VPN:ExpressVPN is in our top 3 thanks to its fast download speeds, ease of use, expansive server network, and the number of services it can unblock. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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4. IPVanish
IPVanish is perfect for those looking to protect lots of connected devices as it boasts lightweight apps and strong multi-platform support, and allows up to 10 connections at once. It’s very fast and capable of streaming HD content without any buffering or stuttering. IPVanish has over 1, 300 servers across more than 60 countries so it allows South Korean users to access a huge range of otherwise inaccessible online content.
256-bit encryption is enabled by default, as are DNS and IPv6 leak protection. However, IPVanish’s security features don’t stop there: there’s also a kill switch (in both desktop and mobile versions), a LAN traffic blocker, OpenVPN obfuscation, and the ability to change IP address at preset intervals. This service doesn’t log any information that could see your activities being traced back to you. Need help? No problem, customer support is available over live chat, 24/7.
IPVanish has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Firestick. It also works with Linux systems and select routers, but you’ll have to configure it manually.
Lightweight apps, good multi-platform support
Fast connections
Several unique security features
Up to 10 connections permitted
Can’t unblock as many streaming services as some of its rivals
No anonymous payment options
TEN SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS:IPVanish makes it easy to protect all of your connected devices at once. With high connection speeds and advanced security features on offer, it’s a solid general-purpose VPN.
Read our full IPVanish review.
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5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN doesn’t have the largest network around (around 150 servers in 60 countries) but it does offer faster connection speeds than most. In fact, it’s fast enough to stream live HD video without any issues whatsoever. Better still, this VPN can reliably access services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from abroad. With up to six connections permitted, PrivateVPN lets you protect most of your devices simultaneously.
This service uses 256-bit encryption by default and protects against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Bitcoin payments are accepted, meaning you can register almost completely anonymously by combining this and a disposable email address. Additionally, PrivateVPN has a strict zero-logs privacy policy. With your permission, support staff can even remotely connect to your computer and install or configure the software for you.
PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, Linux and iOS. After some manual configuration, it even works with supported internet routers.
Faster than average connection speeds
Good unblocking potential
Accepts Bitcoin
Zero-logs policy
Smaller network than most
No live chat support
GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN provides fast connections and allows you to unblock a wide range of geo-blocked services abroad. Further, its no-logging policy provides peace of mind for security-conscious users.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
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6. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield has a large network, with 3, 000 servers across more than 70 countries (South Korea included). This service’s fast speeds make it ideal for file-sharing, but as it works with stubborn platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and ITV Hub, it’s a great choice for video streaming too. Hotspot Shield allows you to use up to five connected devices at once.
This VPN might have simplistic-looking apps but don’t be fooled; there are numerous advanced security features built-in. These include DNS and IPv6 leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch that prevents you from browsing unprotected. If you’d like, you can choose certain websites to bypass the VPN too. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any personally identifiable information after your session ends. If you run into any trouble, you can contact customer support 24/7 over live chat.
Hotspot Shield has apps for Android, Windows, iOS, and MacOS. It works with Linux systems and some home routers too, but must be manually installed.
Strong on security
Good unblocking capabilities
Fast, reliable connections
Spotty record on privacy
Doesn’t work on Linux
BROWSE UNRESTRICTED:Hotspot Shield is an excellent choice for anyone in South Korea. It’s fast, reliable, and comes with several advanced security features. Better still, this service boasts excellent unblocking ability and includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
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7. CyberGhost
CyberGhost takes the hassle out of online security. It currently has more than 4, 900 servers across 60 countries, making it easy to get a low-latency connection from anywhere in the world. You can choose a task (such as torrenting or streaming) and view a list of suitable servers. CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections and one-click unblocking for numerous streaming platforms so it’s ideal for those looking to stream on-the-go.
Although this VPN is designed to be as easy to use as possible, it actually has a good range of security features. There’s 256-bit AES encryption, for instance, as well as port forwarding, WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection. Every version of CyberGhost comes with a kill switch, ensuring you don’t inadvertently browse without protection, even for a second. Best of all, this service logs no personally identifiable information.
CyberGhost has MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android apps. Manual installation is required for Linux-based systems and wireless routers.
Versatile, inexpensive VPN
One-click unblocking
High download speeds
Large network of servers
Doesn’t work in China or the UAE
GOOD FOR NOVICES:CyberGhost is a low-cost friendly service that offers high speeds, the ability to unblock various streaming platforms, and comprehensive protection for people new to VPNs.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
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Can I bypass South Korea’s internet censorship with a free VPN?
While free VPNs can seem tempting, we don’t recommend using them, particularly in South Korea. To begin with, these services usually can’t bypass government-imposed internet restrictions. However, even if you do manage to get connected, free VPNs usually can’t provide the speeds required to stream without interruption, can’t access services like Netflix, and can’t be relied on as a long-term solution due to data limits and queuing systems.
Further, it can be difficult to even find a free VPN that’s safe to use. A 2016 study showed that of 283 free VPN apps tested, more than 38% attempted to install malware. Perhaps more worryingly, 18% didn’t use any encryption whatsoever, and 84% were vulnerable to IPv6 leaks. Even popular free services have misled their users in the past, with Hola selling idle user bandwidth to facilitate a botnet. For this reason, we recommend using a reputable VPN that doesn’t log any personally identifiable information and respects its users’ privacy.
How to unblock the wider internet in South Korea
Don’t worry: bypassing regional restrictions is very easy, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
Here’s how to unblock websites in South Korea with a VPN:
Begin by signing up to a suitable VPN provider (we recommend NordVPN).
Install the VPN app, making sure to get the right version for your operating system.
Log in and connect to a server in your desired location. To access geo-blocked services, you’ll have to use a server in the appropriate country, for example, the UK for the BBC iPlayer.
You should now be free to access the internet unrestricted. If a given site still doesn’t work, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies before reloading the page.
GET A PAID VPN FOR FREE: If you only need a VPN for a short time, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Although you’ll be asked to pay upfront, you can cancel at any point during this period to claim a full refund. This effectively gives you completely risk-free premium VPN coverage for a month, with no cost whatsoever.
See also: How to get a Korean IP address
What online content is restricted in South Korea?
South Korea blocks specific types of content, but also requires internet users to identify themselves if they add anything publicly visible (such as a comment) to uncensored sites or want to access pages considered inappropriate for minors. User identities are verified using a Citizen’s Reference number (for South Korean nationals) or a copy of the user’s passport. Below, we’ve created a short list of some of the types of content blocked in South Korea:
Pro-North Korea sites and comments
Dissenting political opinions, particularly those concerning the President.
Gambling sites
Pornography
While these restrictions aren’t as all-encompassing as those used in countries like China, they still have a fairly wide reach. This is partly due to the country’s “cyber defamation” law.
Unlike in other countries, where defamation involves purposefully making false statements, South Korea’s relevant legislation (Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, Etc., 2008) makes it a crime to reveal information (whether true or false) with the goal of harming a person’s reputation. This legislation has been used as a tool to crack down on anti-establishment or critical discussion of the government and its officials.
Why else should I use a VPN in South Korea?
If you don’t usually live in South Korea, there are plenty of other benefits to using a VPN. For instance, you’re far more likely to accidentally trigger automated fraud prevention systems when logging into your online banking account from abroad. By using a VPN connected to a server in your home country, you can greatly reduce the chance of this happening.
Additionally, VPNs allow you to access your usual services abroad. You can, for example, use your regular gambling or gaming sites, stream your country’s Netflix library, or check the news on one of several sites that may normally be inaccessible from South Korea. When you consider that VPNs also protect you from monitoring when using public wifi, it becomes clear that they’re an invaluable addition to any traveler’s arsenal.
How to get a free VPN for Korea (free-trial hack)
Looking to get a VPN with South Korea but don’t want to pay for it? While you’re better off avoiding services that market themselves as free, there is a workaround you can use to try a paid VPN free for a month (or perhaps more, depending which you choose). This is great for short visits to South Korea or if you’re just looking to stream a Korean show from abroad.
Here’s how to get a free VPN for South Korea:
Decide which of the VPNs above you’d like to use.
Visit the provider’s website and select the one-month plan.
Enter your payment information like you normally would and finish checking out.
Your payment method will be charged, but all of the services we’ve recommended come with at least a 30-day money-back guarantee. As such, you can use them as much as you like, then simply ask for a refund before your subscription renews to effectively get free access to a paid VPN for a month.
Worried you won’t get your money back? We’ve tested every VPN on this list and can confirm they all provide a full refund!
South Korea VPN FAQ
How can I change my IP address to South Korea? You can get a South Korean IP address in a matter of seconds by connecting to a South Korean VPN server. Don’t be tempted to use a Smart DNS service or proxy server — while these can make it appear as though you’re in another country, they don’t actually encrypt your traffic at all. In contrast, a VPN will keep your activities safe from prying eyes while allowing you the freedom to do whatever you want online. Is online gambling legal in South Korea? South Korea’s gambling laws are both paradoxically very strict and also open to interpretation. Chapter 23 of the Criminal Act (PDF) makes it illegal to gamble “for the purpose of gaining property”, but makes an exception if it’s only for “momentary pleasure”. Currently, no online casinos are allowed to operate, although if you visit the country, you’ll find numerous places where you can place bets. Is Netflix in South Korea any good? Users in South Korea can watch a huge range of content including all of the Netflix Original shows like Riverdale. There’s also a strong selection of Korean content, with dramas like Crash Landing On You, and blockbuster hits like Okja, Reply, and Snowpiercer. Prices start at ₩9, 500 per month, although there is a 30-day free trial in case you’d like to see what’s on offer for yourself. Does every VPN have South Korean Servers? Not every VPN has South Korean servers, but it’s not particularly rare for a provider to have at least a few. In fact, South Korea is probably the second-most-common location in East Asia, after Japan.
There are several reasons why this might be. First, it could be that people in other countries are interested in accessing Korea-only services. This wouldn’t be especially surprising, given the rapidly-increasing popularity of Korean music and TV shows in recent years. However, it could also be that South Korea’s aggressive defamation laws and reported high-level corruption have forced citizens to take a proactive approach to their privacy when speaking their minds online.
Frequently Asked Questions about korean ip address
How do I get a Korean IP address?
Quick Guide: How to Get a South Korea IP Address with a VPNChoose a VPN. For a fast connection and a secure South Korean IP address, we recommend ExpressVPN.Install the VPN and choose a server in South Korea.Check your new IP address using our special tool.
How do I get a Korean VPN?
How to get a South Korea IP address using a VPNBegin by signing up for one of the VPNs listed below (we recommend NordVPN).Download and install the app. … Connect to any of your VPN’s South Korean servers.Try visiting a geo-blocked South Korean site.Apr 8, 2021
Which VPN has Korean server?
ExpressVPN comes with apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.Apr 8, 2021
