How to Get a South Korean IP Address From Anywhere in 2025

Getting a South Korea IP can be tricky. Proxies, while convenient, don’t always offer servers in the country, and they don’t give you the security you need to stay safe, given the spike in cyberattacks on South Korean IPs. The Tor Browser is another possibility, but it’s far too slow for anything but basic browsing.

Overall, we found that a premium VPN with servers in South Korea is the best option for getting a secure and private IP for the country. However, not every VPN made the grade. We only selected VPNs that offered fast, uncongested servers in the country with military-grade security features to keep your data safe.

How to Get a South Korean IP Address With a VPN: 2025 Guide

You can get a South Korean IP address with a VPN in a matter of minutes. A VPN is a simple app that provides you with a new IP from a location of your choosing and also offers a variety of security features to keep you safe online.

Setting up a VPN app is really simple. Here’s how:

1. Choose a VPN

First, you’ll need to pick a VPN with servers in South Korea.

2. Download and Install the App

Once you’ve set up an account, you’ll be taken to a download page. From there, simply click the device you want to use the VPN on. You’ll see some simple instructions that guide you through downloading the VPN.

After the app has been downloaded, you may see some prompts for initial configuration. This may ask if you want to turn on the launch and connect on startup feature or send anonymous crash reports back to the supplier. You’ll usually get an option to turn these on in your settings later if you’re not sure whether you want them right now.

If you’re setting up your devices later, then make sure you go back to the official website (or your device’s official app store) to download the software. Unofficial versions may be out of date or harbor malware that can infect your devices.

3. Connect to a Server in South Korea

Scroll down the server list to find a connection in South Korea. Note that some VPNs group servers together by continent or global region, so you might have to click on the Asia or Asia Pacific tab to find it.

If you’re using this server regularly, I recommend adding it to your favorites list (if your VPN has this, which most do). You can do this by clicking the star next to it in the server list. If you forget, don’t worry — most VPNs also have a feature where the last used server is displayed on the app dashboard, so you can reconnect with one click.

4. Browse Safely With Your New South Korea IP

You are now free to access South Korean streaming platforms, news, and more from anywhere without experiencing any lag or quality drops. The VPNs listed below all have fast speeds, so if you’re in a country with good baseline connections, you won’t notice any changes or drops.

Other Ways to Get a South Korean IP

While a VPN is the best solution for obtaining a South Korean IP address, there are alternative methods. Each is suited to different requirements for privacy, speed, and usability. However, it’s worth noting that these methods aren’t as reliable, particularly on restrictive or public WiFi networks.

• Proxy. Proxies act as an intermediary between you and the internet, enabling you to mask your original IP address. It's important to note that proxies don’t encrypt your data, offering less security but sometimes faster speeds than VPNs. Also, many networks and services block known proxy IPs.
• Tor Browser. Tor is a standalone browser that supports anonymous communication by routing your traffic through multiple nodes, obscuring your real IP address. This method greatly increases your online anonymity but at the cost of much slower browsing speeds. Also, while it does hide your real IP, it’s unlikely to replace it with one from South Korea.
• Smart DNS services. This technique routes your data request through a private, alternative DNS server. This is particularly effective for accessing streaming services in good quality. While Smart DNS doesn’t provide encryption or hide your IP completely, it’s a favored option if you prioritize speed over privacy.

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 South Korean websites.

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.

South Korea’s defamation laws are extremely strict, too. Even if what you say is the truth, you can still be charged if you’ve harmed somebody’s reputation. While a VPN secures your connection to protect you from anyone spying on your data, you’re still entirely responsible for what you post. Always be careful what you say online, particularly on websites in South Korea.

Also, you should be aware that any South Korean goods you buy may be subject to a 10 to 20% export tax if you want them delivered elsewhere. This isn’t always obvious when you’re browsing SK e-commerce sites.

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. Using a VPN to acquire one is also legal almost everywhere. Plus, a VPN encrypts your data to keep you safe on any network, which is why it’s our recommended solution for getting a South Korean IP.

However, it’s worth noting that there are a few countries where VPNs are illegal or restricted, such as China, Russia, and Iran. So, you should always check your local laws and regulations before using a VPN.

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. 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.

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. 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.