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. In 2023 alone, North Korea reportedly launched around 1.3 million cyberattacks per day against South Korean public institutions.¹

The Tor Browser is another possibility, but it’s far too slow for anything beyond basic browsing. What’s the safest and most reliable way to get a South Korean IP? 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.

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

In most cases, installation is straightforward — just follow a few simple onscreen prompts. Some VPNs require you to sign up before downloading their apps. Desktop apps are typically available directly from the provider’s website, while iOS and Android versions can be found in their respective app stores. Avoid downloading from unofficial sources, as those versions may be outdated or carry malware that can infect your device.

3. Connect to a Server in South Korea

You’ll get a South Korean IP address as soon as the connection is active. This makes it possible to securely access local bank portals and streaming platforms from anywhere.

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 can now securely browse with a South Korea IP. If the VPN you chose is fast enough, you should have no issues with lag or quality 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.

While the country no longer has a mandatory real-name system (this was ruled unconstitutional in 2012)², certain services — like online banking, ticketing, or age-restricted platforms — still require identity verification using mobile phone or banking details tied to a Korean ID. These measures aim to reduce anonymity and discourage 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.

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.

References

1. https://www.csis.org/blogs/strategic-technologies-blog/south-koreas-2024-cyber-strategy-primer/
2. https://catalystsforcollaboration.org/case-study-internet-identity-verification-system/?utm_source=chatgpt.com/