5 Best VPNs for North Korea in 2023 for Streaming & Security

North Korea is infamous for its heavy censorship policies and restricted internet access — only some government officials and university students can use its intranet (Kwangmyong). Although tourists visiting the DPRK rarely have problems accessing international content, it's unclear if the North Korean government monitors your online activity. A VPN can keep your identity and data safe.

I tested 74 VPNs and found the best ones for North Korea to protect your privacy while offering fast connections. The VPNs on my list can unblock geo-restricted content, so you can still stream Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and access social media sites while visiting North Korea.

My #1 recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has a global network of fast servers and uses military-grade encryption and obfuscated technology to keep you anonymous online. As a bonus, the VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it with confidence.

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Best VPNs for North Korea — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

While citizens of North Korea have no internet freedom, visitors to the country can access the world wide web from hotels and various internet cafes. However, your connection probably won’t be private.

The VPNs on my list use strong encryption to hide your online activity and follow a strict no-logs policy so your personally identifiable information won’t be shared with anyone. Plus, these VPNs are easy to install and use — most offering a quick connect option that automatically finds you to the fastest server based on your location. As an extra benefit and peace of mind, all the VPNs come with money-back guarantees.

1. ExpressVPN — Advanced Security to Protect Your Privacy

To safeguard your personal information and hide your real IP address while visiting North Korea, ExpressVPN encrypts your internet traffic with 256-bit keys and runs its own private DNS on all its servers. On top of that, all ExpressVPN certificates are signed using SHA512 hashing and a 4096 bit RSA key which adds an extra layer of security. Even if third parties were to get their hands on your data, it would be unreadable due to ExpressVPN's Perfect Forward Secrecy changing your encryption key with each new connection.

ExpressVPN provides secure browsing while using North Korea’s public internet connections with its TrustedServer technology that uses RAM-only servers — your information gets wiped clean with every server reboot. Plus, its kill switch and DNS leak protection prevent your online activity from getting exposed. I didn’t detect any leaks while testing ExpressVPN. You can also pay for your subscription using Bitcoin, so your purchase can’t be traced back to you.

Your anonymity is further ensured with ExpressVPN’s independently audited no-logs policy — no record is kept of IP addresses, time stamps, or browsing information. Plus, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands, which is free from data retention laws.

ExpressVPN won’t slow you down, especially when using its Lightway protocol. The VPN is fast fast enough for torrenting, lag-free gaming, and buffer-free streaming. For an even speedier connection, you can use ExpressVPN's Smart Location feature to connect you to a nearby server automatically. The VPN also offers unlimited bandwidth, so you can download large files and stream as much as you want.

ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers in 94 countries (including South Korea, the US, Europe, and Asia) make it easy to get around tough geoblocks. Combined with its obfuscated technology hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN, it can even bypass the Great Firewall of China. When connecting to servers in the US and UK, you can access various social media platforms and unblock Netflix US and BBC iPlayer.

I found ExpressVPN apps to be incredibly user-friendly. It took me only a few minutes to download and install. I especially liked that the VPN shows the most recent locations you connected to, so you won’t have to go searching for that preferred server each time.

You can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously with one ExpressVPN subscription. Not only that, but ExpressVPN is compatible with various WiFi routers, Kindle Fire, and the Amazon Fire TV Stick system.

ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not impressed, you can claim a full refund. I found its 24/7 live chat support very helpful when I canceled my subscription after testing it for nearly a month. My money was back in my account that same week.

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2. IPVanish — Military-Grade Encryption for Maximum Security

IPVanish gives you online privacy and invisibility by masking your data with military-grade encryption. You can also enable traffic obfuscation by clicking a checkbox labeled “Scramble” — this will make your encrypted traffic look normal, so your ISP won’t block your VPN connection.

Thanks to its zero-logs policy, IPVanish doesn’t collect any of your data, so there’s nothing to hand over to the government should they request it. The VPN’s kill switch and DNS leak protection help ensure your actual location and internet browsing remain hidden.

With Unlimited simultaneous connections, you can install and use the VPN on every device in your small businesses or share your subscription with family. IPVanish is compatible with all major operating systems, even Fire TV, Chrome OS, and various routers. I tested IPVanish by connecting over 20 devices at once, and my speeds remained consistent.

All IPVanish servers I tested were fast, especially those in Japan. Suppose you need a super-fast VPN for gaming or torrenting; in that case, you can choose one of IPVanish’s servers near North Korea using advanced filters to narrow down server selection by protocol, country, and latency.

While IPVanish wasn’t able to unblock Hulu or Amazon Prime Video, I could access most websites I tried, including various Netflix regions. With over a thousand servers in 75 countries, you'll have no difficulties unblocking Facebook, Youtube, and Whatsapp.

I found the VPN super easy to use. I set up IPVanish on multiple devices during my testing and connected to my desired servers in only a few clicks. However, if you’re struggling to get started, you can use IPVanish’s detailed visual installation guides or contact its live chat support.

You can try IPVanish risk-free for 30 days using its money-back guarantee. I tested its refund policy, and after a quick chat with customer support, I got my money back within 5 days.

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3. CyberGhost — Specialized Servers for Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming

CyberGhost is a popular choice for unblocking streaming services you would typically have access to. All you have to do is open the app and select 'For streaming' from the left-hand menu. The VPN displays a list of streaming/country combos. When I tested CyberGhost specialized servers, I quickly found US and UK servers optimized for streaming Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer.

On top of that, CyberGhost also has servers optimized for torrenting. These P2P servers combined with no data caps or bandwidth limits enable you to download as much as you want.

If you want a VPN for speed, CyberGhost’s Best Server Location feature will connect you to the fastest server based on your location. With 9,371 servers in 91 countries, you'll have no problem finding a connection fast enough for watching live sport in HD without buffering.

To keep your data hidden from prying eyes, CyberGhost uses robust AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill-switch that will block internet access if your server connection goes down. Plus, the VPN is headquartered in Romania, outside the 5/9/14 eyes alliance, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. If you're especially concerned about your privacy, you can upgrade to CyberGhost's NoSpy servers, which only the VPN team has access to.

CyberGhost is my favorite VPN for beginners and the less tech-savvy user. You can instantly protect up to 7 devices simultaneously and bypass geo-restrictions when clicking its large power button (for mobile and desktop apps).

Although CyberGhost monthly plans are expensive, its yearly subscription is much cheaper and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is longer than most VPNs provide. I tested CyberGhost for three weeks before canceling. The whole cancelation process took me less than 10 minutes, and I got a full refund after 7 days.

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4. Private Internet Access — Worldwide Network to Access Almost Any Content

For unrestricted access to the internet, Private Internet Access (PIA) has over 29,650 servers in 84 countries (and growing). I tested some of PIA’s US servers, and it was easy to find a server that could unblock my Netflix and Hulu accounts. With so many servers to choose from, you're almost guaranteed to find one that can access the content you need.

PIA keeps your identity and information safe from hackers with AES 256-bit encryption, which is the same level of security the NSA uses. For an additional layer of protection, you can enable MACE — PIA’s malware and ad blocker. The VPN also follows a strict no-logs policy and uses IPv6/DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch to prevent any data leaks.

When I was testing PIA, I found its speeds to be somewhat inconsistent. For example, when I connected to a Japanese server, my speed dropped only slightly. Later I tried the same location and experienced a significant speed reduction. However, this isn't really a problem, as PIA offers plenty of servers, so you'll eventually find one fast enough for your needs.

PIA is easy to use and will take less than 5 minutes to install and set up. The settings are easy to navigate and gives you the freedom to customize the app without any hassle. Plus, you can connect up to Unlimited devices simultaneously.

You can try PIA for 30 days using its money-back guarantee, so you can test all of its features to see if it's right for you.

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5. PrivateVPN — Advanced Technology for Complete Anonymity

You can safely browse, stream, and torrent with PrivateVPN’s AES-256 encryption and Stealth mode — you’ll blend in with normal traffic, even in countries with VPN blocks, like China. On top of that, the VPN uses DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and its kill switch will automatically disconnect you from the internet if your VPN drops.

In addition to being headquartered in privacy-conscious Sweden, this VPN ensures complete anonymity through its zero logs policy. As a result, your private information remains beyond the reach of the government.

PrivateVPN offers all these security features without compromising your speed. When testing PrivateVPN servers I watched high-definition YouTube videos while downloading various large files without delays. Even when connecting to faraway locations (like the US), my speed only decreased slightly.

Although PrivateVPN only has 200 servers, they are located in 63 countries worldwide and can reliably bypass geo-restrictions. I was able to successfully access my Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer accounts.

With its lightweight design and streamlined interface, PrivateVPN is one of the more attractive apps I had the pleasure of testing. It was easy to use and navigate (works with smartphones, desktops, and Fire TV). Depending on your proficiency level, you can choose between a simple and advanced mode (more bells and whistles), so it's an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users.

PrivateVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a great way to test it risk-free.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for North Korea

The VPNs on my list all had to pass rigorous testing criteria. You can use these criteria to help you find the best VPN to suit your needs.

• Global network of servers. For a free internet experience and to access content you rightfully have access to, you need a VPN with a worldwide server distribution.
• Strong encryption. Choose a VPN that hides your IP address with strong encryption. The 5 best VPNs for North Korea use rock-solid AES 256-bit encryption, which is virtually uncrackable.
• Doesn’t keep logs. A good VPN for North Korea needs to maintain your privacy by ensuring that your personally identifiable information is never collected or shared, including IP addresses, DNS requests, and time stamps. My recommended VPNs all follow a strict no-logs policy to help keep you anonymous online.
• Fast speeds. All VPNs will slightly reduce your speed because it sends your data through encrypted tunnels. However, with the best VPNs, your speed reduction won’t be noticeable. For the fastest connection, you typically want servers close to your location. While there are no VPNs with servers in North Korea, I selected those with plenty nearby. All 5 VPNs on my list offer buffer-free streaming and low latency gaming.
• Money-back guarantee. Before committing to a year-long subscription, you’ll probably want to test the VPN first. I made sure that all VPNs on my list come with a money-back guarantee, so you can try them out risk-free.

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FAQs on VPNs in North Korea

Are VPNs legal in North Korea?

It’s not clear if VPNs are permitted in North Korea — you should check with authorities or your embassy to make sure before traveling there. However, tourists are generally free to browse the internet. If you’re planning on visiting the DPRK and want to access content from home, be sure to download and install the VPN before entering the country. I recommend ExpressVPN with its strong encryption and global network.

Why do I need a VPN for North Korea?

North Korea is nicknamed the Hermit Kingdom due to its extensive censorship. They don’t allow citizens access to the global internet. Instead, the country has an intranet system called Kwangmyong, which is accessible to a fortunate few.

On the other hand, visitors to the country can usually freely access the world wide web from their hotels and various public WiFi hotspots. However, your connection might not be private. If you want to avoid surveillance, you need a VPN with military-grade encryption like ExpressVPN.

Which free VPN is best for North Korea?

No free VPN is secure or reliable enough to use in North Korea. To ensure that your data is protected from government surveillance, you need the most robust encryption methods and best security protocols. These technologies cost money, so most free VPNs will force you to upgrade if you want the best protection. In the end, this might cost you more than if you went for a paid VPN from the beginning. To stay anonymous online, I recommend trying ExpressVPN, which is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How can I get a North Korean IP address?

Unless you’re physically in the country, you can’t get a North Korean IP address. However, with any of the VPNs on my list, you can keep your connection private while surfing the free internet.

Which VPN is the fastest for North Korea?

Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is the fastest. I got consistently reliable speeds on every server I tried, especially those closest to North Korea, like Japan and Taiwan. I could stream videos in HD and download large files without delays.

The Bottom Line

To bypass geoblocks in North Korea and avoid government surveillance, you need a VPN with a global network of servers, strong encryption, and a no-logs policy. Among hundreds of VPNs, only a few offer these requirements without slowing down your connection.

ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for its Trusted Server technology, excellent unblocking capabilities, and blazing-fast speeds. Not only that but it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee for complete peace of mind.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for North Korea