The Best VPN for South Korea

Lee Stanton November 13, 2023

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South Korea boasts some of the world’s fastest and most reliable broadband internet connections. Nevertheless, it has to contend with various internet-related challenges, including surveillance, censorship, geo-restrictions, and cybersecurity threats.

Thankfully, a VPN can provide a solution by allowing you to temporarily alter your IP location, granting access to content typically unavailable in your region while also safeguarding your privacy and anonymity. With a VPN, your data becomes encrypted, rendering it inaccessible to third parties. In this article, we will list our top choices for the best VPN for South Korea.

At a Glance – Best VPNs for South Korea

We will discuss the five best VPNs for South Korea in detail. But if you’re in a hurry, here’s a brief summary of our top recommendations:

Best VPNs for South Korea

Best VPN for South Korea – Top 5

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for South Korea. It boasts a robust network of over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries (including South Korea). With impressive speeds and exceptional unblocking capabilities, it ensures a seamless browsing and streaming experience. This VPN supports both local and global content, granting access to platforms like Netflix (both US and South Korean libraries), Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Asiancrush, TVN, Ondemandkorea, MBC, among others.

The speeds offered by ExpressVPN consistently achieve lightning-fast performance. Also, this VPN supports P2P traffic without bandwidth restrictions, enabling worry-free torrenting without constraints, slowdowns, or data caps.

Your privacy is safeguarded with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, the standard employed by the National Security Agency. The inclusion of Network Lock, also known as ExpressVPN’s kill switch, adds an extra layer of security. In case the VPN connection drops, Network Lock automatically halts your internet traffic, preventing potential data exposure.

ExpressVPN staunchly adheres to a stringent no-logs policy, ensuring that your web data is neither stored nor shared. Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates outside the intelligence-sharing sphere of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.

ExpressVPN seamlessly integrates with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Kindle Fire, Nook HD, gaming consoles, and more. While manual configuration is required for routers, ExpressVPN simplifies the process with custom firmware. Moreover, 24/7 customer support via email and online chat is readily available to assist with any inquiries.

While ExpressVPN subscriptions fall on the higher end in terms of cost, this premium VPN offers a plethora of deals for cost savings. Opting for the 12-month plan grants you an additional 3 months free, along with a 49% discount. The VPN also stands by its offerings with a 30-day money-back guarantee applicable to all plans.

PROS

Great VPN for streaming
Fast speeds
Excellent security features
Apps for all popular platforms
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Above average prices

Get ExpressVPN now!

2. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a vast server network, with 9,672 servers across 91+ countries. Its superfast speeds make it an optimal choice for seamless streaming and lag-free gaming experiences in South Korea. Thanks to its low latency, CyberGhost ensures smoother gameplay without delays during combat scenarios. In addition, this VPN’s unlimited bandwidth feature enables unrestricted torrenting.

CyberGhost has a broad range of security features, such as 256-bit AES encryption, port forwarding, WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leak protection. It is equipped with a kill switch, preventing any unprotected browsing, even momentarily. This VPN service also upholds a strict no-logs policy.

This VPN allows you to access both global and local streaming platforms, including Netflix (US & South Korea), Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, MBC, Asiancrush, TVN, and, Ondemandkorea. With native apps for major operating systems, manual configurations are generally unnecessary. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, routers, and gaming consoles. Linux-based systems and wireless routers, meanwhile, require manual installation. CyberGhost allows protection for up to 7 devices.

CyberGhost is easy to use, even for beginners. A simple click of the large power button initiates immediate secure connectivity. Customer service is readily available through 24/7 live chat to address any inquiries.

Among its subscription plans, the 2-year plan provides the best value. Priced at $2.19 per month, it comes with 2 months free and is backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you lots of time to test the service risk-free.

PROS

Budget-friendly VPN subscription plans
Fast speeds
Vast server network
With ad and tracker blocker
45-day money-back guarantee

CONS

No option to allow local networking

Get CyberGhost now!

3. NordVPN

NordVPN boasts an expansive server network comprising over 5,500 servers across 59 countries, including servers in South Korea. These servers deliver fast speeds, more than sufficient for seamless streaming of HD content without buffering. The VPN also successfully unblocks a range of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV. This VPN offers specialized servers optimized for activities like P2P file-sharing, protection against DDoS attacks, and surfing the internet from countries with strict online censorship.

The list of security features provided by NordVPN is impressive. It employs robust 256-bit encryption and effectively shields against potential leaks such as WebRTC, DNS, IPv6, and port-forwarding vulnerabilities. Users have the option to activate automatic ad-blocking and malware scanning, simultaneously utilize two VPN connections, or even access the Tor network via VPN. In addition, NordVPN adheres to a stringent no-logs policy.

NordVPN’s user-friendly applications cater to various platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. For routers, manual configuration is necessary. This VPN can be used on up to six devices. Compared to other VPNs, NordVPN’s pricing is in the middle of the pack.

PROS

Fast download speeds
Good security features
Servers optimized for various tasks
24/7 chat support
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Desktop app can be slow to connect

Get NordVPN now!

4. IPVanish

IPVanish has a network of 2,200 servers spread across 75 locations. This VPN provider ensures your data’s security through robust AES 256-bit encryption and a variety of tunneling protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. These protective measures are further augmented by a kill switch and a zero-logs policy. Notably, IPVanish maintains full ownership and control over all its servers, negating any potential risks associated with third-party intervention.

The VPN effectively facilitates the streaming of both local and global content, granting access to platforms such as Netflix (US and South Korea), Disney+, Hulu, Asiancrush, TVN, MBC, Ondemandkorea, and more. IPVanish offers dedicated applications for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Firestick. While also compatible with Linux systems and specific routers, manual configuration is necessary.

Conveniently, IPVanish allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all your devices. Should you require assistance, their customer support is readily accessible through 24/7 live chat.

PROS

Compatible with most devices
Fast speeds
Good security features
Unlimited simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Based in the USA (5 Eyes country)

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has 30,000+ servers in 84 countries. Despite having such a large network, PIA doesn’t have servers in South Korea. However, PIA has plenty of servers in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and more importantly, other countries like the US, allowing you to access US Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Crunchyroll, and HBO Max.

PIA offers exceptional versatility, and a key contributing factor is its flexibility in allowing users to opt for either the OpenVPN or WireGuard VPN protocol. OpenVPN prioritizes security over speed, ensuring a robust protective layer. In contrast, WireGuard stands out for its lightweight nature, rendering it particularly suitable for mobile data connections. Both protocols excel in terms of speed and security, with OpenVPN emphasizing enhanced security measures, while WireGuard shines with its superior speed and reduced data consumption.

Assurance of data privacy is a cornerstone of this VPN service. With a verified no-logs policy, your data remains confidential. Private Internet Access goes the extra mile with leak protection, preventing any IP or DNS leaks that could compromise your privacy. The inclusion of an automatic kill switch further bolsters your security, ensuring that your connection to the internet is cut off if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Additionally, the VPN features a built-in ad blocker called MACE, adding an extra layer of convenience and protection.

This VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections with just one subscription. PIA is a very affordable VPN, with the 2-year plan costing just $2.19 per month and comes with 2 months free.

PROS

Affordable VPN
Vast server network
Unlimited VPN connections
Strict no-logs policy
30-day money-back guarantee

CONS

Doesn’t have servers in South Korea

Get Private Internet Access now!

VPN for South Korea FAQs

Are VPNs legal in South Korea?

As of now, there are no regulations that prohibit the use of VPNs in South Korea. However, if you are caught engaging in illegal activities, you could still face penalties.

Is it advisable to use a free VPN in South Korea?

Using a free VPN isn’t recommended due to potential risks to both your privacy and security. Even among the most reputable free VPN services, server coverage is limited to a handful of countries. Moreover, the majority of these services impose bandwidth restrictions, preventing you from watching you from watching your favorite Korean content.

Beyond these limitations, there are inherent dangers associated with free VPNs. Some may have malware that gathers personal data. Some free VPNs may even sell your data on the dark web.

Can I use a VPN to stream South Korean TV channels?

Yes, you can use a VPN service to stream South Korean TV channels. By connecting to a VPN server within South Korea, you can bypass restrictions on streaming services such as KBS World and SBS. This will grant you access to a wide range of local content, including sports, movies, and dramas.