How to Get a South Korean IP Address From Anywhere in 2023

Because of licensing agreements and fraud prevention measures, accessing South Korean websites and services when traveling abroad can be challenging. You will need a South Korean IP address to bypass geo-restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy way to get one. So, you can continue playing popular online games only available in the country or access your South Korean company resources.

A VPN can provide you with a South Korean IP address from anywhere. Connecting to a South Korean server changes your IP address to a South Korean one, which you need to access local content from abroad. Additionally, it encrypts your connection and masks your actual location making it difficult for others to track your online activity.

After testing 50+ VPNs, ExpressVPN is my favorite for accessing South Korean content. Its robust security features protect your privacy when accessing streaming services, news sites, and other South Korean websites. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try all ExpressVPN features risk-free. Getting a refund is straightforward if the service is not for you.

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Why You Need a VPN to Get a South Korean IP

Due to copyright infringement, licensing, and price discrimination, many websites and online banking services from South Korea block overseas visitors. This is done by geoblocking technologies, which check each visitor's IP address.

To get around these geo-restrictions, you need a VPN with servers in South Korea. This simple tool sends traffic through its private server network, replacing your real IP with one from South Korea. Any website or service checking your IP will only see the South Korean one and assume you're actually in the country. You'll have no problem accessing Kakao TV, EBS TV, and TV Chosun from anywhere.

Additionally, a VPN encrypts your connection and keeps your online activity private with a strict no-logs policy. This prevents unwanted third parties from seeing what you do and keeps you safe on public WiFi networks.

Best VPNs to Get a South Korean IP From Anywhere in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Robust Privacy Features for Anonymous Browsing on South Korean Websites

Your connection is kept secure and confidential thanks to ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and TrustedServer technology. The latter deletes all your data with every reboot. On top of that, its headquarters are based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the data-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. This means your sensitive information, such as browsing habits, won't be collected or shared with anyone, not even the authorities. When the Turkish government seized the VPN's servers in an investigation, they found no user data.

Its AES 256-bit encryption is virtually uncrackable and stops hackers from intercepting your data. Perfect Forward Secrecy also frequently updates your encryption keys, which is especially handy if you use public WiFi networks to access South Korean sites. I also tested ExpressVPN for leaks and detected none. Its kill switch (Network Lock) and IP/DNS leak protection safeguard you from accidental data exposure when switching servers, for example.

If you don't have a protocol preference, ExpressVPN will automatically choose the most appropriate one

ExpressVPN’s speeds make it an excellent choice for streaming your favorite South Korean TV shows, like Run BTS! My speeds averaged 80.24 Mbps, a 36% decrease compared to my 124 Mbps baseline connection. UHD streaming requires only 25 Mbps, so I could watch Netflix South Korea and SBS TV without buffering. Speeds are good for gaming and VoIP calls, too. I had very low latency playing Lineage W while connected to South Korean servers.

P2P file sharing is also supported on its South Korean servers. With unlimited bandwidth, I had no problem downloading large files on all the major torrenting platforms I tested, including uTorrent, Vuze, qBitTorrent, and Deluge.

The only downside is that prices are a bit expensive, starting at $6.67/month. Luckily, ExpressVPN offers frequent discounts to help you save. I got 49% off my long-term subscription, plus 3 months of service free. You can also pay via Bitcoin for added anonymity.

All plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee. After testing it, I asked a 24/7 live chat representative to cancel my subscription. After providing a reason for canceling, they proceeded with my request. My bank account was refunded after 2 business days.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol gives you the fastest speeds (due to using less code) while keeping you safe online.
• Easy to use. The interface is intuitive with a user-friendly design. You can even choose Korean as your preferred language on its Windows and macOS apps and create Shortcuts to quickly launch websites from the VPN app.
• Threat Manager. This feature protects you from third-party online trackers and other malicious websites. It is currently available on ExpressVPN’s iOS, Mac, and Linux apps.
• Obfuscated servers. This technology disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, allowing you to use the VPN even on restricted networks, like schools and libraries.

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2. CyberGhost — Massive Server Network With Lots of South Korean IP Addresses

CyberGhost provides the most South Korean servers of all VPNs I tested. This gives you plenty of opportunities to get around geoblocks and reliably access local content abroad. Such a massive amount of South Korean IP addresses also help you avoid IP blacklisting and redundancy. If one IP address becomes blocked or unavailable, you can use another and continue your online activity uninterrupted.

Having multiple South Korean IP addresses can help distribute the load and prevent any one IP address from being overwhelmed with traffic. So, even though it is slightly slower than ExpressVPN, you can use CyberGhost to game without lag. The lowest speed I recorded during my tests was 75 Mbps, a 40% drop from my base speeds. This is impressive, considering South Korea is 5,000+ miles away from my actual location.

It even has servers optimized for streaming South Korean Netflix. With its dedicated server, I accessed Netflix SK on the first try, and videos loaded within seconds. Besides Netflix, CyberGhost has dedicated servers for watching Kakao TV, EBS TV, TV Chosun, HBO Max, Disney+, SBS, and more.

Expand the app, click "For streaming", and type Netflix into the search bar

CyberGhost’s privacy and security features are top-notch, so your online safety will be well protected. It uses high-level AES 256-bit encryption to make your connection impenetrable. At the same time, its advanced protocols (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), kill switch, and IPv6 leak protection prevent unwanted third parties from accessing your data. Plus, its no-logs policy ensures your online behavior won't be recorded.

Just be mindful of CyberGhost’s short-term plans, which are expensive and only have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Fortunately, its long-term subscriptions are affordable at $2.19/month and come with an extended money-back guarantee.

With its trustworthy money-back guarantee, you can use CyberGhost free for 45 days. I asked a live chat representative to cancel my subscription to test its refund policy. After answering some basic user-related questions, I got a full refund to my PayPal account after 4 days.

Useful Features

• Automatic WiFi protection. The VPN launches automatically whenever a new hotspot gets detected. So, you're protected even if you forget to switch on the VPN.
• Torrenting-optimized servers. CyberGhost has specialized servers optimized for fast and safe torrenting.
• Content blocker. This feature uses DNS filtering and URL blocking techniques (amongst others) to protect you against ads, trackers, and malicious content while browsing South Korean websites.
• 24/7 customer support. You can contact support anytime if you need help with more advanced settings.

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3. NordVPN — Excellent Speeds for Streaming South Korean TV Shows Without Buffering

NordVPN is a good choice for uninterrupted streaming and gaming. Its NordLynx protocol allows for fast and stable connections worldwide, including in South Korea. In my tests, I achieved an average download speed of 80.41 Mbps, enough for watching high-resolution shows without delays. I could also download a 2GB copyright-free file in under 4 minutes.

With its strong emphasis on security, you can browse South Korean websites with peace of mind. Along with AES 256-bit encryption, NordVPN provides additional features to protect you from cybercrime. For example, its phishing protection feature helps stop hackers from stealing your login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data. It also has IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection and a kill switch to ensure your real location stays private.

Its CyberSec feature blocks access to malicious websites, preventing you from inadvertently downloading malware, ransomware, or other malicious software. This feature also blocks annoying ads and pop-ups, reducing the risk of accidentally clicking on a malicious link.

Click on the shield icon on the left of the NordVPN app to access Threat Protection

A minor con of NordVPN is that it sometimes takes a while to connect to a server, especially on Windows. However, if you restart the app, this issue gets resolved, so it wasn't really a problem.

Prices start at $3.49/month if you go for NordVPN’s long-term plan. But, for a little more, you can upgrade to the Complete plan and get 1TB of cloud storage, advanced encryption, and a data breach scanner.

You can get your money back without hassle if you're not 100% happy with the VPN, as all subscriptions support a 30-day refund period. It took me less than 5 minutes to cancel my subscription using 24/7 live chat. My bank account was credited with the total amount within a week.

Useful Features

• Dark Web Monitor. Constantly scans the dark web and alerts you if your accounts are compromised. This allows you to secure your accounts before any damage occurs.
• Get the app in Korean. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN's app enables you to change your preferred language to Korean in the app settings.
• Meshnet. This feature lets you create an encrypted virtual LAN. It is a great option for hosting secure virtual LAN parties for gaming and sharing files.

Get a South Korean IP with NordVPN >>

4. Surfshark — User-Friendly App That's Great for Beginners Needing a Korean IP Address

Surfshark makes it simple for even the least tech-savvy users to access South Korean content and protect online privacy. When you open the app, use the search bar to quickly find and connect to a South Korean server, that's it. Additionally, with long-term plans costing only $2.30/month and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, Surfshark is ideal for beginners on a budget who want a hassle-free VPN experience.

Click the star icon to add servers to favorites for a quick connection next time

You can browse safely without anyone tracking your online behavior using Surfshark's CleanWeb feature. It also blocks ads on most websites and streaming platforms, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows without interruptions. I saw no ads when I visited the dcinside.com website during my tests.

The VPN also provides high speeds, making it ideal for bandwidth-demanding activities like streaming and online gaming. I successfully viewed several programs on Kakao TV without any buffering. In addition, I was able to download and play PUBG Mobile Korea smoothly, without any delay.

I was a bit worried about my privacy since its headquarters are in the Netherlands, part of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance — a group of countries that share information on its citizens. However, Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy and uses RAM-only servers to ensure your online activity stays confidential.

If the VPN doesn’t meet your expectations, just cancel your subscription within 30 days, and get a full refund. So, you can try Surfshark risk-free before committing.

Useful Features

• NoBorders. Surfshark automatically activates NoBorders mode when it detects you’re on a restricted network, like at school. This allows you to use the VPN wherever you are.
• Multihop. When you activate Multihop, Surfshark passes your traffic through 2 different servers and 2 layers of encryption, making your connection even more secure.
• IP Rotator. This feature gives you a new IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting you from the VPN. This makes it harder for hackers to track you since you don’t have a static IP.

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5. IPVanish — Protect All Your Devices That Use a South Korean IP Address

With unlimited device connections, your household can conveniently access South Korean content on different devices without worrying about switching between VPN accounts. I connected my smartphone, MacBook Pro, Android tablet, and Windows laptop to test this feature and then watched Oksusu and TV Chosun. I noticed nothing different with the increased number of devices, as everything ran smoothly.

Apps are also user-friendly, providing detailed information about each server's load and ping. This makes it easy for you to choose the fastest one. I tested 4 of IPVanish’s South Korean servers and accessed Oksusu, TV Chosun, and SPOT TV in less than 20 seconds, with stable speeds. Like Surfshark, you can bookmark your favorite South Korean servers for immediate access by clicking the star icon.

Servers are alphabetized according to country, with a drop-down arrow for more options

IPVanish is highly effective in safeguarding your online privacy, with its AES 256-bit encryption rendering it nearly impossible for anyone to breach your connection and gain access to your data. Moreover, its no-logs policy ensures that your personal information remains concealed.

Unfortunately, it doesn't support cryptocurrency payments for extra anonymity. But you can pay with all major credit cards, PayPal, and online gift cards. You can get a long-term plan for $2.49/month, which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. To test the refund process, I went to my IPVanish dashboard and clicked “I wish to cancel my subscription”. I got the money paid to my credit card 5 days later.

Useful Features

• Block LAN traffic. This option enhances your security by blocking all traffic on your local network until you connect to the VPN.
• Multiprotocol support. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec. I recommend WireGuard for the fastest connections without compromising security.
• Split tunneling. Great when you want to use a South Korean IP address for some apps and your regular internet connection for Uber or a similar ride-sharing app.

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Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for a South Korean IP Address

It's important to note that not all VPNs are capable of offering a South Korean IP address while ensuring your online safety. However, the VPNs included in my list possess servers located in South Korea, boast user-friendly interfaces, and provide strong security measures that won't impact your browsing speeds. Below, you'll find an elaborate rundown of the features I thoroughly tested:

• Servers in South Korea. Ensure the VPN provider has servers in South Korea for reliable access to South Korean content.
• High-level security and privacy. To keep your online activities private, look for a VPN with strong encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Also, check that it has a no-logs policy so that your online activities won't be tracked or recorded.
• Fast speeds. A VPN will usually slow you down because of the encryption, but with a good one, you won't notice the drop. Choose a VPN that lets you stream, browse, and game without delays.
• User-friendly apps. Look for a VPN with an easy-to-use interface, especially if you are a beginner. This will make it straightforward to connect to a South Korean server and obtain a South Korean IP address.
• Customer support. A VPN that offers 24/7 customer support is essential to help you with any issues or questions, like setting it up on your router.
• Multi-platform support. Check whether the VPN has native apps for all your favorite devices and allows for multiple simultaneous connections under one subscription.
• Money-back guarantee. Go for a service that can be trusted to refund your money if you're not happy with the outcome. This way, you can try the VPN risk-free.

Get a South Korean IP With ExpressVPN >>

FAQs on Getting a South Korean IP Address With a VPN

Is using a South Korean IP address legal?

Yes, using a South Korean IP address is legal. However, accessing certain content through a South Korean IP address may be illegal, depending on the website's terms of use or the laws of the country you're in. Using a VPN keeps your online activities private, so you don't get in trouble if you accidentally break the rules.

How can I check if I'm using a South Korean IP address?

Use an IP Lookup website to quickly check if you're using a South Korean IP address and confirm you can access local content. Alternatively, an online tool such as vpnMentor’s IP Info checker will show you your IP address. First, launch your VPN and connect to a South Korean server, open the tool, and let it run for a few seconds. You know you're good if it displays a South Korean IP address.

What are the other ways to get a South Korean IP address?

You use a proxy server or Smart DNS service to get a South Korean IP address, but they do not offer the same level of security and encryption as a VPN. So, your data could be vulnerable to hackers and other malicious third parties. While a proxy server is easy to set up and configure, it's unreliable and can slow you down. A Smart DNS is faster but may only work on some devices.

Can I use a free VPN to get a South Korean address?

It is possible but not recommended. Free VPNs often have limited server networks, which may not include South Korea. This can result in slow connection speeds and poor streaming quality when trying to access South Korean content. A premium VPN with a money-back guarantee is a better alternative. It has more servers, including ones located in South Korea. Plus, you can try out the service risk-free and get a refund if unsatisfied. Paid VPNs also offer strong encryption, protecting your online privacy and securing your data.

Some free VPNs collect and sell your data to advertisers for a fee; others have been found to embed malware in their apps. Another problem is that they enforce restrictions and limits, such as data caps and smaller server networks, which lead to slow and overcrowded servers.

Can I stream South Korean TV online with a South Korean IP address?

Yes, you can use a South Korean IP address to stream South Korean TV online, such as Netflix KR, KBS, SBS, and TV Chosun. After you connect your VPN to a South Korean server, these sites will see the South Korean IP and think you’re in the country. However, some South Korean services may require you to provide a local phone number or billing address, which could restrict viewing to South Koreans only.

Does South Korea have any internet restrictions?

South Korea has laws and regulations to restrict content deemed harmful or illegal, such as pornography, unrated games, and pro-North Korean content. South Korea's National Security Law also imposes restrictions on online activity considered a threat to national security. So, ensure you know the rules and regulations before visiting the country. You shouldn't have problems accessing your usual apps, like KakoaTalk, Facebook, and Instagram.

In addition, South Korea has a real-name verification system for some online services, such as social media platforms, which require you to provide your real name and national ID number. This is designed to prevent anonymous online activity and discourage cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment.

Get a South Korean IP Address in Minutes

You can easily get a South Korean IP address with a premium VPN that has servers in the country. All the VPNs on this list can unblock South Korean content from anywhere, while protecting your personal data without noticeable slowdowns.

My top recommendation for South Korea is ExpressVPN with its world-class privacy and security features, fast speeds, and thousands of South Korean IP addresses. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test all ExpressVPN features risk-free. If you aren’t 100% satisfied, you can easily get a full refund.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to get a South Korean IP address...