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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.
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vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

5 Best VPNs for South Korea in 2024 — Fast and Secure

Lawrence Wachira Updated on 28th February 2024 Fact-checked by Kate Veale Senior Writer

Online surveillance and censorship issues in South Korea are highly concerning. The country blocks access to some sites, like those critiquing its policies and encouraging gambling. Such restrictions can put your online privacy and freedom at risk unless you have a VPN.

To put your mind at ease, my team and I tested 80+ VPNs and shortlisted the best for South Korea to protect your privacy with top-grade security features. The selected ones also have fast servers in the Republic of Korea for uninterrupted browsing and are easy to use on all major devices.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for secure browsing, gaming, torrenting, and streaming in South Korea. Military-grade (AES 256-bit) encryption, a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy safeguard your data. Plus, its user-friendly apps and worldwide network of fast servers (including South Korea) make the VPN well-rounded. You can even try it risk-free, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get ExpressVPN for South Korea >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for South Korea in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    User-friendly interface and military-grade encryption, backed by a 30-day refund policy.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Specialized servers for Netflix Korean for reliable connection while in the country.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Gives you a choice of encryption level and security protocol to customize your connection.
  • NordVPN
    NordVPN
    Keeps you safe in South Korea with advanced security measures like a kill switch.
  • Surfshark
    Surfshark
    Unlimited simultaneous connections to protect all your devices under 1 license.
Important. vpnMentor doesn’t support any activities that violate copyright laws. Our recommended VPNs maintain strict no-logs policies to protect your online privacy. However, this doesn't grant unrestricted freedom in their usage. You're obligated to use these VPNs in strict compliance with all relevant legal requirements on any website, service, or app you use.

The Best VPNs for South Korea — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Intuitive Apps Make It Easy To Get a South Korean IP Address

Best Feature The Shortcuts feature provides quick access to favorite sites once connected to a server
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including South Korea
Security & Privacy A kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection prevent accidental exposure of your sensitive data
Works With TVING, Netflix, WATCHA, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, KBS, MBC, AmazonPrime Video, and more

ExpressVPN's beginner-friendly design makes connecting to a South Korean server a breeze. The interface is almost the same across all apps, so you don't have to learn new steps for each. Even better, you can set up the VPN to automatically connect to the last used server, removing the hassle of manual selection at each app launch. While testing ExpressVPN’s Windows app, I connected to a South Korean server within seconds.

A screenshot showing the intuitive and easy-to-use interface of ExpressVPNClicking the 3 lines lets you access options; the 3 dots open the server list

Your privacy is protected with AES 256-bit encryption — that’s the standard used by the National Security Agency. The VPN also offers top-of-the-line security protocols, like the gold-standard OpenVPN. Perfect Forward Secrecy further enhances your online privacy by continuously assigning you new encryption keys. So, even in the rare event a key is compromised, you remain protected with new ones.

On top of that, the VPN won't collect, store, or share your data with third parties, as it uses a verified no-logs policy and headquarters in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands (outside of the intelligence-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances). This policy is further enhanced by RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology) that delete your data with every reboot. So, there’s no information to be passed on to anyone in the first place.

A long-term plan starts at $6.67/month. However, its ad blocker, advanced security features, ease of use, 8 simultaneous connections, and generous discounts make it a valuable choice. Plus, a reliable 30-day refund policy supports all plans, so it’s easy to get your money back. I tested this claim by canceling via 24/7 live chat, and the money was returned to my bank in 2 days.

Useful Features

  • Threat Manager. This feature enhances your online privacy by preventing websites and apps on your device from communicating with malicious trackers and sites.
  • Lightway protocol. It’s faster than traditional protocols. Using it, my speed dropped by only 6%. This is impressive, as most VPNs we have tested reduced our speed by more than 70% for the same distance.
  • Smart Location. ExpressVPN uses this feature to find and connect you to the fastest server, so you don’t have to choose one yourself.
  • Split tunneling. This feature allows you to choose which traffic moves through the VPN tunnel and which bypasses it.
ExpressVPN Offer March 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don't miss out!

2. CyberGhost — Specialty Servers for Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming Securely in South Korea

Best Feature Streaming-optimized servers for Netflix Korea and more
Server Network 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including 24+ in South Korea
Security & Privacy Located in Romania, a country with favorable privacy-protection laws
Works With TVING, Netflix, WATCHA, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, MBC, KBS, Amazon Prime Video, Ondemandkorea and more

With CyberGhost, you can stream local sites securely, download files, and play games in seconds thanks to its optimized servers. You can find these servers by expanding the app’s view and choosing For Gaming, For torrenting, or For streaming. During my tests on CyberGhost’s P2P servers, I downloaded several files without any noticeable slowdowns.

A screenshot showing CyberGhost has specialty servers for gaming, torrenting, and streaming, including locations in South KoreaYou can even “favorite” servers by clicking the star icon for faster access

I really like its Block Content feature that shields you from annoying ads and dangerous sites. This leads to a smoother and faster browsing experience while also protecting your device against malware and trackers that could cause significant damage.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost protects your data with military-grade encryption and security protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. DNS/IP 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 network, so you’re always safe online.

CyberGhost's monthly subscription only comes with a short refund period. That’s why I recommend its more affordable long-term plan for just $2.19/month. This option also offers an extended money-back guarantee, meaning you can test CyberGhost free for 45 days. Getting a refund is straightforward via 24/7 live chat if you’re not happy.

Useful Features

  • Great speed. CyberGhost only dropped my speed by 8%. The 112.07Mbps I averaged on its nearby server is impressive. Although WireGuard is faster than IKEV2, I couldn’t get it to work on my Mac.
  • Privacy protection. CyberGhost uses an audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers to prevent your private information and browsing history from falling into the wrong hands.
  • NoSpy servers. These servers are housed in CyberGhost’s headquarters to prevent third-party interference. They’re available for use at a small additional cost.
  • Dedicated IPs. For a small extra fee, you can get a dedicated IP address that only you own.
March 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings To Optimize Your Connection in South Korea

Best Feature The app explains each setting clearly so it's easy to adjust even if you're a beginner
Server Network 29,650 servers in 91 countries, each supporting file-sharing
Security & Privacy Verified no-logs policy and RAM-only servers ensure your browsing history remains private
Works With TVING, Netflix, WATCHA, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, MBC, KBS, Amazon Prime Video, Ondemandkorea, and more

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 (for maximum protection) or AES 128-bit (prioritizes speed with less encryption). It also comes with a kill switch and advanced tunneling protocols (including WireGuard and OpenVPN). Plus, I didn’t detect any DNS/IP/WebRTC leaks while testing PIA, meaning my data remained private.

A screenshot showing Private Internet Access (PIA) allows you to select your preferred protocol and encryption level for customized connectivityI use the split tunneling feature to conveniently access my e-banking app without getting blocked

It offers unlimited connections on a single account to cover your entire entire household at the same time without interrupting each other's sessions. In my test, I connected 5 devices concurrently to the same server. My connection remained stable throughout, mirroring the performance when only one device was connected.

One disappointment is that you may find it a bit complex due to its many customization options. However, it comes preconfigured, so you can connect to a South Korean server right away.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try PIA with confidence. The long-term subscription is the cheapest at $2.19/month and has the same features as the short-term ones. I checked its refund policy and found it trustworthy.

Useful Features

  • P2P-friendly servers. PIA’s entire network supports P2P traffic and doesn’t limit bandwidth, so you can download large files without restrictions. Port forwarding and the SOCKS5 proxy can also give you a speed boost while file sharing, but be cautious as they don’t provide encryption.
  • MACE. This feature prevents malicious and intrusive ads from disrupting your online experience. It also blocks trackers and malware.
  • Good speed. While testing its nearby server, I clocked an average of 104.98Mbps. Although this is a 9% drop from my non-VPN speed, it's still fast enough for uninterrupted browsing.
  • Multi-hop (Double VPN). Enable this feature to channel your traffic through an additional server for extra privacy.
March 2024 Update: PIA doesn't usually have deals or discounts (it's already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!

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

Best Feature Double VPN routes your data through two servers for extra protection
Server Network 6,139 servers in 67 countries, including 10+ in South Korea
Security & Privacy Dark Web Monitor scans the dark web for your credentials and alerts you if leaks are found
Works With TVING, Netflix, WATCHA, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, MBC, KBS, Amazon Prime Video, Ondemandkorea, and more

Keep your data safe in South Korea with NordVPN’s AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and secure protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx. Integrated features like auto WiFi protection and Threat Protection (its ad, tracker, and malware blocker) further protect you against cyber threats and attacks. In my tests, I liked how NordVPN’s kill switch made sure I maintained an encrypted connection while switching servers.

A screenshot showing NordVPN passed DNS and IP leak testsI used ipleak.net with different servers, and they all passed all my leak tests

While NordVPN doesn’t have as many servers in Korea as CyberGhost, its 10+ servers in the country offer plenty of options to quickly find one near you for the fastest speed. During my tests, my speed only dropped by 9%. Plus, there’s a dedicated P2P server in South Korea that you can use to maintain short download times while in the country.

I was less impressed with its Windows app, as it took longer to launch. However, once it's up and running, it's easy to use, and its Quick Connect feature makes it a breeze to connect to a fast, nearby server. Every server I tried, even the far-off ones, delivered good speeds. So, you can count on it to maintain top speeds in close proximity.

There’s a 30-day money guarantee backing this service. A few minutes was all it took to get a refund approved using the 24/7 live chat.

Useful Features

  • Onion Over VPN servers. These ones reroute your data through both the VPN and the Onion network for extra security.
  • Privacy protection. NordVPN protects your digital privacy with a strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers. You can even limit the data you share with the VPN by signing up with a temporary email and opting for cryptocurrency payments.
  • Meshnet. This feature provides a safe way to access and share files across your devices, regardless of your location, by linking them via encrypted network tunnels.

5. Surfshark — Many Simultaneous Connections To Protect All Your Devices in South Korea

Best Feature Apps for most devices, so nobody misses out
Server Network 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including Seoul
Security & Privacy Dynamic MultiHop servers that encrypt your traffic twice for secure web browsing
Works With TVING, Netflix, WATCHA, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, MBC, KBS, Amazon Prime Video, Ondemandkorea, and more

You can use Surfshark on all your devices simultaneously under one subscription without a noticeable drop in its performance. In my tests, I was able to stream YouTube from South Korea on 6 devices (including 3 smartphones) at once while connected to the same server. Despite the load, all the videos streamed without buffering.

Its IP rotator feature boosts your online safety by periodically changing your IP address, all while maintaining an active VPN connection. This makes it harder for third parties to track or profile your online activities. I always keep this feature turned on to avoid the need for manual intervention in case the IP I’m using gets blocked.

A screenshot showing Surfshark's Rotating IP feature, which regularly changes IP addressesSurfshark mitigates IP address blocklisting risk by rotating them every 5 to 10 minutes

My only complaint is that it’s located in the Netherlands, with strict data-sharing laws. However, its audited no-logs policy and RAM-based servers help it protect your online privacy. Plus, a kill switch, NASA-grade encryption, leak protection, secure protocols, and Perfect Forward Secrecy provide data protection.

There's a 30-day money-back guarantee on all platforms for your peace of mind, and I recommend the long-term plan as it’s the best value in the long run — start at just $2.89/month.

Useful Features

  • WireGuard protocol. I use it to maintain fast speeds for 4K streaming. Unfortunately, the nearby South Korean server reduced my speed by 10%, but this was still fast enough for most activities.
  • Torrenting servers. Simply click on the VPN tab and type 'P2P' in the search bar that appears to access these servers.
  • Helpful customer support. Surfshark’s dedicated support team is on hand around the clock.

Quick Guide: How To Set up a VPN for South Korea in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Get a VPN. Because it has beginner-friendly apps, uses robust security features, and offers reliable South Korean servers to browse at top speed while in the country, I recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to a nearby server. A server in close proximity to your location delivers the highest speed for your connection.
  3. Start browsing. Now that your connection is encrypted, you can safely carry on with your online activities.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for South Korea

Here are the features I used to evaluate my recommended VPNs. You can use this list as a guideline when selecting a VPN to use in South Korea:

  • South Korean (and global) servers. VPNs with large global networks give you plenty of options to easily find and connect to nearby servers, both in and outside Korea South, for optimal speed.
  • Advanced security and privacy. Protect your online privacy in South Korea by choosing a VPN with advanced features like 256-bit AES encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, a kill switch, secure protocols, and a strict zero-logs policy.
  • Fast speeds. Torrent without slowdowns and enjoy seamless gaming in South Korea by choosing a VPN that maintains at least 80% of your original speed. Opt for one with a quick connect feature, as it automatically selects the fastest server available.
  • Easy to use. Get a VPN with intuitive apps so that you can get started right away without stressing about the tech. Plus, make sure that live chat and email support are available for timely assistance whenever needed.
  • Device support. The best VPNs for South Korea should have apps for your favorite operating systems. It should also support multiple simultaneous connections to use it on as many devices as you want.
  • Reliable money-back guarantee. Look for a South Korean VPN that gives you a chance to try its features and get a refund if you’re not satisfied.

FAQs on Using a VPN for South Korea

Why should I use a VPN for South Korea?

VPNs help you bypass geo-restrictions on sites like news pages and social media 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 securely browse, game, torrent, and more, even while you're traveling.

South Korean authorities can access your financial information, travel records, and even private messages without judicial authorization. They also have the power to limit your freedom online. At the same time, ISPs must retain your web history and other data for a specific period. A VPN with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy protects your privacy online when using the internet in the country and overseas.

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, snoops, and DDoS attacks.

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, such as work platforms, wherever you are. Plus, premium VPNs have sophisticated encryption and security features to keep you safe from hackers and monitoring.

Can I use a free VPN for South Korea?

Maybe, but 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 fast servers worldwide (including South Korea) and a money-back guarantee.

Additionally, free services usually lack advanced security features (like AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy). This means your browsing history and private data are vulnerable to hacking and monitoring.

Even worse, some providers have been caught selling user data to ad networks for a profit and installing malware on customer devices.

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 so you can cover all your devices. All the VPNs on this list have intuitive Android apps compatible with smartphones, tablets, and Android TVs.

On top of that, they support multiple simultaneous connections with a single account. So, you can protect your data on all of your devices at once.

Can I watch Netflix US in South Korea?

No, it’s restricted to the US. However, if you're in the US, a VPN can keep you safe online while watching Netflix from within the US.

vpnMentor firmly opposes any activities that infringe upon copyright laws or breach the T&Cs of any platforms. So, it's important to use VPNs responsibly and within legal boundaries.

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

You need a fast VPN with South Korean or Japanese servers to access the most popular alternative version of PUBG Mobile — PUBG Mobile Korea. VPNs with a global network give you plenty of options to quickly find a fast, low-latency server to play the PUBG version of your choice.

Does every VPN have South Korean Servers?

No, not every VPN has South Korean servers. Server availability, including in South Korea, varies among VPN providers. With a reliable VPN with servers in Korea, you can get a South Korean IP address in 3 easy steps.

Get the Best VPN for Korea

A reliable VPN with servers in South Korea is the best way to maintain your privacy while in the country. The best services safeguard your data from hackers, trackers, and snoops with robust security features, all without significantly impacting your base speed.

ExpressVPN is the best for South Korea. Its easy-to-use apps and reliable South Korean servers make it a great choice. It also keeps you safe online with top-tier encryption and a proven no-logs policy. Even better — you can try it with confidence as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for South Korea…

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 49%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 83%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 82%!
4
9.4 /10
9.4 Our Score
Save 67%!
5
9.3 /10
9.3 Our Score
Save 81%!
Privacy Alert!

Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.

VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.

Visit ExpressVPN

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research but also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Learn more
vpnMentor was established in 2014 as an independent site reviewing VPN services and covering privacy-related stories. Today, our team of hundreds of cybersecurity researchers, writers, and editors continues to help readers fight for their online freedom in partnership with Kape Technologies PLC, which also owns the following products: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access which may be ranked and reviewed on this website. The reviews published on vpnMentor are believed to be accurate as of the date of each article, and written according to our strict reviewing standards that prioritize the independent, professional and honest examination of the reviewer, taking into account the technical capabilities and qualities of the product together with its commercial value for users. The rankings and reviews we publish may also take into consideration the common ownership mentioned above, and affiliate commissions we earn for purchases through links on our website. We do not review all VPN providers and information is believed to be accurate as of the date of each article.

About the Author

Lawrence Wachira, a Senior Writer at vpnMentor, is passionate about making the internet safer. Lawrence writes insightful product reviews, comparison pages, and blog posts to help readers protect their online privacy and choose the best VPNs.