South Korea is an Internet access and freedom paradise compared to its notorious neighbor. Still, the government maintains a level of censorship over political discourse and restricts websites and platforms it finds subversive. That carries on to social media, with posts routinely falling under scrutiny. To ensure your online activities are under the radar, you need a quality VPN for South Korea.
The technology is beneficial in several other areas, including bypassing roadblocks to unrestricted content. And with the increasing rate of cybercrime, the safety net it provides can come in handy on public Wi-Fi networks.
This article lists the best VPN services to use in South Korea, discussing what makes them tick. Later, we’ll highlight what you get with a VPN subscription.
The Best VPN for South Korea — Our 5 Picks of 2024
The providers in this selection have global servers and offer top-end privacy features and reliability. They have servers in or around Sout Korea for speedy and stable connections. Moreover, they are easy to use and provide quality customer support to handle questions and concerns.
We only considered premium South Korea VPNs for this list. While there are a few decent free VPN services, you should not touch most with a pole.
Right then, let’s dive in this list of the best VPNs to use in South Korea.
1. ExpressVPN
- Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
- Server count: 3,000+ in 94 countries, including South Korea.
- Standout feature: TrustedServer technology
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, routers, browsers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 8 devices on 6 and 12-month plans.
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
The best VPN for South Korea in 2024 is ExpressVPN. Blazing-fast connection speeds mean ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for online gaming and bandwidth-heavy tasks like streaming. Thanks to the provider’s 10 Gbps server infrastructure, you can stream in 4K resolution without enduring pesky buffering.
ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, including South Korea. That means you can tune in to episodes on your favorite K-movies and TV shows on Seezn and a host of other platforms from abroad without worrying about geo-blocks.
And if you’re in South Korea, there’s no limit to the content you can enjoy from the locations where ExpressVPN has servers. For instance, if you’re a fan of American shows, the VPN easily bypasses the regional restrictions on Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and many others.
ExpressVPN guarantees the security and privacy of your online traffic. Along with several advanced tools, it implements AES 256-bit encryption to scramble your data. RAM-based servers and a strict no-logs policy prove the provider has no plans to store identifying information or hand it over to requesting authorities.
In addition, there’s a kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection to prevent accidental online traffic exposure to prying eyes. Obfuscation is automatically enabled on all ExpressVPN servers, so you don’t have to activate it manually.
ExpressVPN works on many platforms and devices, from the major ones to game consoles, routers, and streaming devices. In fact, many consider it to be the best Windows VPN. With a single subscription, you can cover the privacy of five devices on a monthly plan, but that shoots up to eight on longer packages.
Thanks to its money-back guarantee, you get up to 30 days to make up your mind about committing.
2. CyberGhost
- Jurisdiction: Romania
- Server count: 9,600+ servers in 91 countries, including 24 in South Korea
- Standout feature: In-house managed NoSpy servers.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, browsers, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 7 devices
- Money-back guarantee: Up to 45 days
Well-designed and easy to use, CyberGhost does not overcomplicate things. That gentle learning curve makes it a great option for a first VPN service.
A massive network of servers means you’ll never run out of connection choices. There are over 9,600 in 91 countries, with 24 of those in South Korea. Consequently, you can avoid congestion and slowdowns if you’re sticking to local servers.
CyberGhost runs on 10 Gbps and offers the super-fast WireGuard protocol, so it’s no surprise it finds a spot on our fastest VPN ranking. Throw in dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, and you can expect buffer-free experiences.
Interested in watching your favorite Kdrama on Tving, Wavve, or Watcha from abroad? No problem. CyberGhost breezes past the defenses of local streaming platforms, presenting you with exclusive content. It mirrors that performance with global streamers like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
Security-wise, CyberGhost offers a wealth of features. Its Wi-Fi protection functionality automatically detects a new network and kicks in to protect you from any lurking nasties. Bank-level encryption scrambles your data. And if your VPN connection drops, a kill switch automatically prevents the leakage of sensitive information.
The VPN will not store any identifiable data on its servers that could lead back to you. CyberGhost’s no-logs policy has undergone independent audits that certify its trustworthiness.
CyberGhost has apps for all major platforms, from computers to mobile systems. It also covers streaming devices, smart TVs, and more. It allows seven simultaneous connections per plan you purchase.
You can try this Korea VPN risk-free, taking advantage of its generous 45-day money-back guarantee on six months and above plans.
3. NordVPN
- Jurisdiction: Panama
- Server count: 5,800+ servers in 60 countries, including 10 in South Korea
- Standout feature: Proprietary NordLynx protocol built around WireGuard.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chromebook, routers, gaming consoles, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Up to 6 devices
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
NordVPN markets itself as the best Korean VPN. It’s certainly a popular VPN, and with a teeming user base in South Korea, it may not be far from right.
The provider’s network size places halfway between ExpressVPN’s and CyberGhost’s, with 5,800+ servers. Its 60-country presence is not as impressive, however. That said, with 10 servers in South Korea, NordVPN will get you a Korean IP address.
NordVPN is an ultra-fast service. Whether you’re streaming or downloading large files, the VPN ensures the impact of the extra step it adds to the connection is not significant. Its custom NordLynx protocol is built around WireGuard and will give you the best speedresults.
There are no dedicated servers for streaming, but that’s not a big deal. NordVPN optimizes its regular servers for the activity anyway. Hopping on any location will provide access to exclusive libraries on all the major services there, from Netflix to Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. As a result, enjoying Netflix South Korea from anywhere is a given.
NordVPN takes your online privacy seriously and will protect your traffic from malicious actors. Its toolbox includes military-grade encryption, an advanced kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and an audited no-logs policy. It offers an array of features, including Double VPN, for extra privacy and protection from hackers.
NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of platforms and devices. It permits six simultaneous connections on one account.
If you want to see how good NordVPN is, take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can request a refund within that period if you’re unimpressed.
4. Surfshark
- Jurisdiction: The Netherlands
- Server count: 3,200+ in 100 countries, including Ecuador.
- Standout feature: Nexus with SDN technology for multiple server connections.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, browsers, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Considering its attractive long-term plans, this is a great budget VPN for South Korea. But Surfshark’s affordable price tag is not an indication of the level of its quality. In fact, the versatile VPN has gained popularity for being impressive under the hood.
For one, its collection of servers includes over 3,200 in 100 countries. That includes South Korea so you can get a Korean IP address from within or outside South Korea. All the servers run on at least 1 Gbps, and the provider is always adding 10 Gbps servers for better performance results.
It doesn’t consistently provide the speed levels of ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but Surfshark is not far behind. You can expect to stream high-quality video resolutions without having to deal with annoying buffering. Surfshark is a torrenting-friendly VPN. Its dedicated P2P servers will have you downloading and seeding large files quickly.
The VPN bypasses geo-blocks on websites and streaming platforms without hassles. From local to popular streaming platforms, Surfshark will have you enjoying exclusive content whether you’re in Korea or traveling abroad.
It doesn’t take your online privacy and security for granted, either. Obfuscated servers hide your VPN use from monitoring authorities and other entities. The VPN claims it doesn’t store user logs — and an independent audit has validated that.
It implements the virtually uncrackable AES 256-bit encryption algorithm to keep hackers away. What’s more, a kill switch and leak protection ensure you’re not giving private data away without realizing it.
Surfshark is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and several other devices. Unlike most of the best VPNs for South Korea, it places no limits on the number of devices one subscription can protect simultaneously.
Not sure if Surfshark is the best option for you? You can take advantage of a 30-day refund policy to test this South Korea VPN, no strings attached.
5. IPVanish
- Jurisdiction: The United States
- Server count: 2,200+ in 75 countries, including South Korea.
- Standout feature: Fully owned and managed servers.
- Compatible with: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, routers, Amazon Fire Stick, and more.
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited devices
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
IPVanish’s server network is the smallest on this Korean VPN selection, with 2,200+ servers in 75 countries, including South Korea.
But here’s the interesting bit. NordVPN has colocated servers in 19 locations which it owns, maintains, and manages. However, that pales in comparison to IPVanish’s complete ownership of its infrastructure. It doesn’t rent any servers or outsource management capacity to third–parties, ruling out the potential issues that come with that practice.
It’s not the fastest VPN around, but IPVanish provides decent connection speeds. You’ll have no issues streaming in high-quality video resolutions as long as you’re connected to nearby servers and use WireGuard. We like its Best Available City feature. As the name suggests, it automatically picks the optimal server in any country you select.
With IPVanish, you can stream on Netflix South Korea, Wavve, and other Korean-based platforms within seconds. It’s not the ultimate streaming VPN, though, and will run into some trouble with geo-blocks on popular streaming services. That said, it can unblock the Netflix US library, as well as BBC iPlayer and Disney+.
IPVanish shows it’s up to the task of keeping your traffic safe and private. A US headquarters isn’t ideal due to the country’s 5 Eyes Alliance membership. But IPVanish’s independently audited no-logs policy proves it won’t collect or store your activity logs.
The VPN’s security arsenal includes AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and built-in DNS leak protection. Plus, a powerful obfuscation feature is available to keep surveillance bodies unaware of your VPN use.
IPVanish supports the major desktop and mobile device platforms. Like Surfshark, one subscription handles all your devices simultaneously.
If you’re less than 100% satisfied with this South Korea VPN, you can request a refund within 30 days of your purchase. However, this is only available on long-term plans.
Check out our IPVanish review for more information.
Why You Need a VPN for South Korea
You may only be jamming to BTS or enjoying the latest episode of your favorite Kdrama, but your internet traffic could use the benefits a VPN provides. And that applies whether you’re in South Korea or anywhere else.
Let’s say you’re in Seoul or some other Korean location. You must deal with government bodies like the National Intelligence Service (NIS) routinely monitoring the Internet for content deemed harmful, provocative, or defamatory. In addition, the government blocks access to several websites, restricting your access to them.
A Korean VPN helps you bypass these issues. It encrypts your traffic and routes it through a secure tunnel to a remote server. In the process, you get assigned an IP address different from your original and based on the server location. With the help of various features, you can stay shielded from prying eyes and use previously blocked websites without arousing unwanted interest in your direction.
Hackers, identity thieves, and other threats lurk on public Wi-Fi networks in Korea. However, your data is securely encrypted and protected from hacking attempts or location tracking. Features like a kill switch make sure you’re not punished for any unplanned VPN disconnections.
A VPN also helps you to access regionally restricted content on websites and streaming services. This can prove useful if you’re abroad but looking to enjoy programs showing back home. Or home and trying to watch foreign sports, shows, or other content.
In addition, online banking or shopping websites with country-specific features may be easier to access through a VPN connected to a server located in South Korea or elsewhere. This benefit applies to expatriates in Korea and residents traveling abroad.
How We Ranked the Best VPN for South Korea
While many providers are out there, you need quality research to pick the best options. Besides, South Korea is hardly a popular VPN location. PIA VPN had to remove its servers from South Korea when authorities tried to mirror them for surveillance purposes.
We leave no stone unturned in our tests and rankings. If you’re interested in our methodology, here are some metrics we considered while ranking the best VPNs for South Korea in 2024.
Privacy and Security
Regardless of any extra features it provides, a VPN service must mask your IP address and protect sensitive information from interception.
The providers on this list all offer industry-standard features like advanced encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. They go beyond that level with obfuscation, multi-hop, and other advanced features.
Server Network
You get a wide variety of connection options from VPNs with extensive server networks. They must also have servers in the country to rank among the best VPN services for South Korea. Each provider on this list comes with a collection comprising thousands of servers.
Speed and Performance
VPNs will inevitably slow down your connection speed because of the extra steps they add to your internet connection. The trick is to ensure that the performance drop isn’t significant. The selected providers offer fast tunneling protocols like Lightway and WireGuard and run on high bandwidth infrastructure.
Bypassing geo-restrictions
Geo-restrictions keep content to a specific region or country on websites and online platforms. Good VPN providers bypass those restrictions to allow unlimited access to exclusive libraries and content. For instance, Korean VPNs let you stream videos on geo-blocked local and international platforms from anywhere.
User Experience
VPNs with steep learning curves are a pain for beginners and negatively impact the user experience. We prefer well-designed UIs that are intuitive and easy to use, regardless of the customization options. Quality customer support is essential, so we only consider VPNs with various support channels and availability around the clock.
Money-Back Guarantee
A money-back guarantee means you can receive a refund if you’re unimpressed by the quality of service. It’s a testament to a provider’s confidence in its offerings. Most VPNs offer a 30-day refund policy.
Conclusion
Government surveillance and censorship are rife in South Korea. Also, like anywhere else, Koreans are faced with hackers, data breaches, and other threats. VPNs keep their users’ traffic private, shielding them from these issues. Other benefits include unrestricted access to content on websites and online services.
According to our tests, the best VPN for South Korea is ExpressVPN. It offers an optimal combination of performance, standard and advanced features, and reliability. Take advantage of a 49% discount to get three months free on its yearly plan.
FAQs about VPNs in South Korea
Are VPNs legal in South Korea?
Yes, VPNs are legal in South Korea. The government has not created or enforced regulations legally restricting the technology’s use within its borders. You’ll not face any issues as long as your online activities don’t fall short of the country’s laws.
Can you use a free VPN in South Korea?
Yes, you can use a free VPN in South Korea. However, it is not ideal for keeping you private online in South Korea. Free VPNs have many limitations, such as limited bandwidth, server options, and unblocking abilities. Even worse, they may prove privacy and security risks that could expose your online traffic to interception.
What is the best VPN for South Korea?
ExpressVPN is the best Korean VPN. However, this article lists several alternatives to the service, including CyberGhost and NordVPN.
