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vpnMentor was established in 2014 to review VPN services and cover 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 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 to review VPN services and cover 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 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 North Korea in 2024 for Streaming & Security

Husain Parvez Cybersecurity Researcher

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.

My team and 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 bypass ISP-restricted content, so you can still browse without issues and use social media sites.

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. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Get the Best VPN for North Korea >>

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

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    Best for bypassing North Korea restrictions; 3,000 RAM-only servers; 30-day guarantee.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • IPVanish VPN
    IPVanish
    Military-grade encryption; secures Unlimited devices at once.
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Optimized for streaming, torrenting, gaming; pricey one-month plans.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Wide server network for global content; some servers less reliable.
  • PrivateVPN
    PrivateVPN
    Ensures anonymity without speed loss; has a smaller server network.
Disclaimer: My team and I firmly stand against any breaches of copyright. The VPN services we recommend uphold strict policies against logging data, ensuring that your online behavior remains untracked and unmonitored. This means you bear responsibility for how you use your VPN, and it is imperative to comply with all applicable regulations.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for North Korea — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

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

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
  • Server speed and location: The fastest VPN for North Korea. 3,000 servers in 105 countries
  • Security capability: RAM-only servers and private DNS
  • Data privacy: Zero-logs policy and automatic kill switch
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Works with: OnDemandKorea, AsianCrush, YouTube, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more

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 105 countries (including South Korea) 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 like the ones in the US and UK, you can access various social media platforms and visit international sites.

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.

ExpressVPN Offer October 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 48% off! Don't miss out!

2. IPVanish — Military-Grade Encryption for Maximum Security

  • Server speed and location: Very fast connections. 2,400 servers in 90 countries
  • Security capability: Military-grade encryption and Scramble feature
  • Data privacy: Strict no-logs policy and automatic kill-switch
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Works with: OnDemandKorea, AsianCrush, YouTube, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more

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 doesn’t work with some streaming platforms, I could access most websites I tried, including social networks. With over a thousand servers in 90 countries, you'll have no difficulties using Facebook 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.

IPVanish October 2024 Deal: It's hard to find active IPVanish offers so I was really surprised to find this one! Click here to get 83% off your IPVanish subscription today! Discount automatically applied (no code required).

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

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
  • Server speed and location: Impressive speeds. 11,690 servers in 100 countries
  • Security capability: AES 256-bit encryption and NoSpy servers
  • Data privacy: DNS leak protection and a zero-logs policy
  • Money-back guarantee: 45 days
  • Works with: OnDemandKorea, AsianCrush, YouTube, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more

CyberGhost is a popular choice for unblocking websites. All you have to do is open the app, select a server, and the VPN connects to it. When I tested CyberGhost’s specialized servers, it was really easy to find the ones optimized for streaming and gaming.

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 11,690 servers in 100 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.

October 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.

4. Private Internet Access — Worldwide Network to Securely Access Almost Any Website

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.
  • Server speed and location: Respectable speeds. 29,650 servers in 91 countries
  • Security capability: Strong encryption and MACE feature
  • Data privacy: Proven no-logs policy and automatic kill switch
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Works with: OnDemandKorea, AsianCrush, YouTube, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more

For unrestricted access to the Internet, Private Internet Access (PIA) has over 29,650 servers in 91 countries (and growing). I tested some of PIA’s US servers, and it was easy to find a server that worked with American news sites out of the box. With so many servers to choose from, you're almost guaranteed to find one that works with the site 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.

5. PrivateVPN — Advanced Technology for Complete Privacy

  • Server speed and location: Great connection speed. 200 servers in 63 countries
  • Security capability: Stealth VPN mode and AES 256-bit encryption
  • Data privacy: DNS leak protection and a strict no-logs policy
  • Money-back guarantee: 30 days
  • Works with: OnDemandKorea, AsianCrush, YouTube, and more
  • Compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more

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 use international news sites and my banking 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.

Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for North Korea in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN that offers plenty of secure servers worldwide. I recommend ExpressVPN for its speed, strong encryption, and global network.
  2. Connect to a server. For online privacy in North Korea, choose the closest possible server. Nearby servers offer you the fastest speeds so you can browse without interruptions.
  3. Start browsing. You can now privately use sites from all over the world without interruptions.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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 use international websites, 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.

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 guaranteefor complete peace of mind.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for North Korea

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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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 48% 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 to review VPN services and cover 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 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

Husain Parvez is a Cybersecurity Researcher and News Writer at vpnMentor, focusing on VPN reviews, detailed how-to guides, and hands-on tutorials. Husain is also a part of the vpnMentor Cybersecurity News bulletin and loves covering the latest events in cyberspace and data privacy.

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Comments (1)
tommy
20 Jul 2024
20 Jul 2024

it's perfect, now i can watch some fake and ridiculous north korea news!