5 Best VPNs for South Korea in 2023 — Super-Fast and Secure

Accessing your international accounts (like Netflix US and Disney+) from South Korea is challenging. The same is true for unblocking South Korean websites abroad since content providers restrict access based on your geographical location. On top of that, snoops (and even the government) can track your location, finances, and other personal information.

My team and I tested 40+ VPNs and found the best ones for South Korea. All services on my list have global networks to help you bypass geo-restrictions. They also offer the toughest security features to protect you from hackers, monitoring, and malware.

ExpressVPN is my top choice as it provides a worldwide network of fast servers (including South Korea) to stream your favorite shows buffer-free. Advanced encryption, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch keep you safe online. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN for South Korea without risk since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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The Best VPNs for South Korea — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

The VPNs on my list have global servers (including in or near South Korea) to unblock the content you need. They also use top-tier security measures (like AES 256-bit encryption) to maintain your online privacy without significantly reducing speeds.

All of them are user-friendly and allow multiple device connections, with ample support (like live chat) if you need it. On top of that, each VPN has a money-back guarantee so that you can try them out and ask for a refund if you’re not 100% satisfied.

1. ExpressVPN — Access South Korean and International Content with a Vast Global Network

Access global services in South Korea with ExpressVPN’s vast network. This VPN has reliable servers in 94 countries to help you avoid even the strictest geoblocks. I tested ExpressVPN’s servers in the US and the UK and successfully unblocked popular streaming platforms. I could easily access my Disney+, Vudu, and BBC iPlayer accounts in South Korea. Your traffic is obfuscated automatically without the need to change settings, meaning sites with strict firewalls (like Netflix) won’t block you.

You can also unblock local websites and apps with reliable servers in South Korea. For example, I accessed Asiancrush and region-restricted films on my Netflix South Korea account overseas. Fans of Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook films won’t have to miss out on the latest releases. You can even play popular South Korean online role-playing games (MMORPGs) wherever you are.

ExpressVPN's speeds are consistently lightning-fast. I tried the Smart Location feature, which finds the fastest server automatically. The speeds I got in South Korea were consistently above 80 Mbps — perfect for intense gaming and UHD videos. You only need around 25 Mbps to stream in the highest quality. Even servers far away in the US enabled smooth streaming.

Additionally, this VPN supports P2P traffic and doesn’t restrict your bandwidth. Combined with the impressive speeds, you can torrent without worrying about restrictions, slowdowns, or data caps.

Your privacy is protected with military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit — that’s the standard used by the National Security Agency). The VPN also offers top-of-the-line security protocols, like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway. My connection was the fastest with Lightway, whereas OpenVPN is the gold standard for security.

Thanks to leak protection, my tests didn’t show any IPV6, DNS, or WebRTC exposure. You also have Network Lock (ExpressVPN’s kill switch) to enhance your security. If your VPN connection drops, this feature automatically cuts your internet traffic to prevent data exposure.

ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it won't store or share your web data. Thanks to the RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology), your web data gets erased on each reboot. So, there's no info to share with the government (even if requested). Plus, the VPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands — outside of the intelligence-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance.

The apps are user-friendly and optimized for popular operating systems. It took me less than 3 minutes to install and connect to a South Korean server. Plus, there's 24/7 customer support via email and online chat to assist you with anything.

Although subscriptions aren't cheap (starting at $6.67/month), ExpressVPN offers plenty of deals to help you save. I opted for the 12-month plan and got 3 extra months free and a 49% discount. In addition, the VPN supports multiple payment options — you can even pay with Bitcoin for extra privacy.

ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can easily get a refund if you’re not completely happy with it. I canceled via the online chat, which only took a few minutes with the support agent. ExpressVPN returned the money to my bank account in 2 days.

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2. CyberGhost — Fast Speeds for Smooth Streaming in and Outside South Korea

Superfast speeds make CyberGhost an excellent choice for smooth streaming and lag-free gaming in South Korea. Using its ‘Best Server Location’ feature, you’re automatically connected to the fastest servers based on your actual location. My connection in South Korea averaged at 75 Mbps. Even using South Korean servers from the US, I didn’t experience any significant slowdowns or buffering while watching Twelve Legends on Netflix SK. The VPN also offers unlimited bandwidth, so you can torrent as much as you want.

Bypassing geoblocks is a breeze with reliable servers in 91 countries. It has over 30 South Korean servers that let me access my Ondemandkorea account without problems. The VPN even has servers labeled and optimized for specific online activities — streaming, torrenting, and gaming. I tested CyberGhost's streaming-optimized servers for my Disney+ and BBC iPlayer accounts, and videos loaded instantly.

CyberGhost protects your data with top-grade security features — nearly uncrackable encryption (AES 256-bit) and tunneling protocols Wireguard and OpenVPN. DNS/IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch also help avoid privacy breaches. The WiFi protection feature (once enabled) automatically launches the VPN whenever it detects a new public network (like an internet cafe), so you’re always safe online.

Thanks to its zero-logs policy and headquarters in Romania, your information won’t be collected or shared with anyone. I also recommend using its built-in ad blocker, as it prevents pop-ups on websites like Yahoo News and blocks potentially dangerous websites.

I found all its desktop and mobile apps straightforward. It's easy to install and use the VPN, even if you’re a beginner. Just click the large power button for an immediately secure connection. You can also contact customer service using its 24/7 live chat if you have any questions.

Monthly subscriptions are expensive and only offer a 14-day refund period. However, its long-term plans are much more affordable (despite identical features). You can get CyberGhost for only $2.19/month and an extended money-back guarantee.

You can try CyberGhost free for 45 days. I tested the refund policy, and it holds up. You don’t even have to talk to a customer service rep when canceling via email, which I did — the money reflected in my PayPal wallet 4 days later.

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3. Private Internet Access — Customizable Security Settings to Tailor Your Connection in South Korea

Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you customize your settings to balance security and speed, depending on your needs. You can choose your level of encryption — AES 256-bit (higher encryption for maximum protection) or AES 128-bit (prioritizes speed with less encryption). It also comes with an array of advanced tunneling protocols (including WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN).

It provides a verified no-logs policy and leak protection to keep your data confidential. I tested PIA’s servers and found no IP or DNS leaks. Plus, you get an extra layer of security with its automatic kill switch. Similar to CyberGhost, PIA has a built-in ad blocker called MACE. During my PIA tests, I didn't get any pop-up ads on popular South Korean sites, like Naver.

My average speed on nearby servers was consistently above 65 Mbps. I also recorded over 30 Mbps on the US and UK servers I tested — good for UHD streaming and lag-free gaming. The VPN is great for file sharing too, thanks to its P2P traffic support and unlimited bandwidth. In addition, you can use the SOCKS5 proxy to download and seed files faster.

The apps all have pre-configured profiles to help you get started right away. This means you don’t have to be a VPN expert to use it. You can also contact PIA's customer support via its 24/7 live chat.

You can get an IP address in 84 countries to access your favorite online services, apps, and TV from South Korea. I watched shows on my Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer accounts while in the country. Although PIA doesn’t have servers in South Korea, there are plenty in nearby Japan to access regional content, like Asiancrush.

All plans offer the same features and customization options, but its 3-year subscription is the cheapest. So, I recommend you choose a long-term PIA plan at only $2.03/month.

I checked its money-back policy and found it trustworthy. So, you can try PIA and get a refund during the first 30 days if it doesn’t suit you. The Client Control Panel on the website let me cancel and request a refund hassle-free. My credit card was reimbursed just 5 days later.

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4. IPVanish — Protect Your Data in South Korea With Robust Security Features

Keep your data safe with IPVanish’s robust encryption (AES 256-bit) and multiple tunneling protocols (like WireGuard and OpenVPN). This is bolstered by a kill switch and a solid zero-logs policy. This VPN also owns and manages all of its servers, eliminating the risk of third-party interference. You can activate the Scramble mode (obfuscation) to mask your VPN traffic as a regular activity to avoid strict firewalls, too. Unsurprisingly, I didn't find any IP or DNS data leaks during my IPVanish tests.

While not as many as CyberGhost, IPVanish has plenty of servers in South Korea and across the globe. I used IPVanish's servers to access my Disney+, BBC iPlayer, TVN accounts, and even play PUBG. You won’t have problems accessing popular South Korean services either — I unblocked my Netflix SK subscription within seconds.

The Best Available City feature of this VPN automatically identifies the most efficient server location in the country of your choice for accessing content. During my testing, this feature consistently connected me to servers in South Korea at speeds exceeding 55 Mbps, ensuring seamless streaming within seconds.

You can cover all your devices in South Korea with IPVanish’s Unlimited simultaneous connections. I watched YouTube on 7 devices (including my Windows PC, Android phone, and iPad) at the same time without any issues. Speed wasn’t compromised regardless of the number of connections.

The apps are intuitive and support all major operating systems. So, you can use the VPN on all your supported devices to encrypt traffic and avoid geoblocks.

A yearly subscription is far more affordable than a monthly one, even though short-term plans offer no additional benefits. You can get a long-term IPVanish subscription for $2.49/month. I was disappointed that the VPN doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments, but this isn’t really an issue considering you can subscribe using all major credit cards and PayPal.

Getting a refund with IPVanish’s 30-day money-back guarantee is super simple. If the VPN is not for you, you can cancel via the “Dashboard” on the website in just a few minutes. The customer support sent my first payment back to my PayPal account in 6 days.

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5. PrivateVPN — P2P Support on All Servers for Reliable Torrenting in South Korea

PrivateVPN is great for fast and reliable torrenting, thanks to its P2P-friendly network. You can download and file-share as much as you want because it doesn’t limit your bandwidth, either. It also has SOCKS5 proxy support and port forwarding for a torrenting speed boost. I downloaded a 1GB file (with BitTorrent) in South Korea in under 3 minutes with an average download speed of 53 Mbps. As well as torrenting, speeds are good enough for UHD streaming without buffering.

The VPN in question is committed to ensuring the safety of your data. It utilizes superior encryption methods, including AES 256-bit, employs stringent security protocols, and maintains a policy of not keeping logs. In addition, it provides critical features such as a kill switch and Stealth VPN, which is PrivateVPN's obfuscation tool. Upon conducting tests on all its encryption options and tunneling protocols, I found no leaks in my DNS requests or my actual IP address.

The network size isn’t PrivateVPN’s strongest aspect (it only has 200 servers). However, it can bypass geoblocks and access all popular streaming platforms with servers in 63 countries. While traveling, I had no problem unlocking my Disney+, Hulu, and TVN subscriptions. So, you can access your favorite South Korean and international content anywhere.

Every subscription gives you a full range of features, including free remote installation for desktop apps (Windows and Mac). However, the 36-month option is the cheapest. So, I suggest going with PrivateVPN’s long-term plan at $2/month.

A 30-day money-back policy means you can try PrivateVPN’s features free for a short period. I contacted the support team via live chat to explain why I was canceling (this took only a few minutes). That same week I got my subscription money back on my credit card.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for South Korea

The VPNs included in this compilation possess the necessary capabilities to bypass geographical restrictions in both South Korea and around the world, ensuring your privacy remains intact and your internet speed is minimally affected. Nonetheless, if you prefer to conduct your own investigation, you can utilize the following criteria as a guideline:

• Global network — VPNs with servers worldwide can bypass geo-restrictions on your popular international services and streaming accounts, like Netflix US and HBO Max.
• Servers in South Korea — Choose a VPN with servers in South Korea (or nearby) to access local websites, banking apps, television channels, and streaming platforms.
• Robust security — You need a VPN with military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit), security protocols, and a strict no-logs policy to stay safe online.
• Fast speeds — VPNs slow your base speed because they encrypt your traffic, but premium VPNs, like those on my list, can help you maintain high speeds for gaming, streaming, and torrenting.
• Ease to use — Using a VPN should be straightforward, even for beginners. Online chat support is a bonus.
• Multiple device compatibility — Look for a VPN that supports all major operating systems and offers multiple simultaneous device connections.
• Reliable money-back guarantee — VPNs with a verified refund policy let you try their features with confidence, knowing you can get your money back (within the guarantee period) if it doesn’t suit you.

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FAQs on Using a VPN for South Korea

Why should I use a VPN for South Korea?

VPNs help you bypass geo-restrictions in and outside South Korea. However, a VPN’s primary function is to keep your data protected from snoops and monitoring. Using a VPN with a global network allows you to access geoblocked services and content anywhere. This means you can watch your favorite show on your Netflix South Korea, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video accounts wherever you are. Plus, a VPN with servers in South Korea makes it possible to access local services while abroad.

South Korean authorities can access your financial information, travel records, and even private messages without judicial authorization. At the same time, ISPs must retain your web history and other data for at least 12 months. A VPN with sophisticated encryption (AES 256-bit) and a no-logs policy protects your privacy online.

You also risk your data when using public WiFi networks in South Korea. Most hotspots have weak security, posing a risk for identity theft and other cybercrimes. However, VPNs with advanced security features safeguard you against hackers.

Is it legal to use a VPN in South Korea?

Yes, VPNs are legal in South Korea. You can quickly get an IP address from various countries (including South Korea) to access your essential online services wherever you are. Plus, premium VPNs (like those on this list) have sophisticated encryption and security features to keep you safe from hackers and monitoring.

Can I use a free VPN for South Korea?

Maybe, most free VPNs limit server locations, speed, and bandwidth to force you to upgrade to their paid plans. A better solution would be to try a premium VPN with a reliable global network and a money-back guarantee.

Additionally, free services usually lack advanced security features (like AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy). This means your browsing history and private data are vulnerable to hacking and monitoring. Even worse, some providers sell your data to ad networks for a profit.

Which VPN is the best for Android in South Korea?

If, like most South Koreans, you prefer Android devices, choose a VPN with easy-to-use Android apps and multi-device connections. All VPNs on this list have intuitive Android apps compatible with smartphones, tablets, and Android TVs.

Plus, they support multiple simultaneous connections with a single account. So, you can protect your data and bypass geoblocks using several Android devices at once.

How can I watch Netflix US in South Korea?

A VPN with servers in the US can help you access your Netflix US account while in South Korea. You can use any VPN from this list to quickly get a US IP address as they all have servers in the country. This lets you enjoy all the content on your usual streaming subscription like Netflix US, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video US.

What is the best VPN to play PUBG when in South Korea?

You need a fast VPN with South Korean or Japan servers to access the most popular alternative version of PUBG Mobile — PUBG Mobile Korea. The VPNs on this list have a global network of servers to bypass geo-restrictions so that you can play the PUBG version of your choice. What’s more, these VPNs are fast enough to help you minimize your ping, so you get that “Chicken Dinner.”

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The Bottom Line

You can access South Korean and international websites with a premium VPN. Additionally, your data will be well protected against hackers, trackers, and snoops, thanks to robust security features.

ExpressVPN is the best for South Korea because its worldwide network of fast servers (including South Korean) easily bypasses geoblocks for uninterrupted streaming. It also boasts top encryption, leak protection, and a no-logs policy to keep you safe online. Even better — you can try ExpressVPN for South Korea with confidence as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for South Korea