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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.

How to Get a South Korean IP Address From Anywhere in 2024

Kelvin Kiogora Updated on 27th March 2024 Cybersecurity Researcher

Because of licensing agreements and fraud prevention measures, accessing South Korean websites and services when traveling abroad can be challenging. You will need a South Korean IP address to bypass geo-restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy way to get one. So, you can continue playing popular online games only available in the country or access your South Korean company resources.

A VPN can provide you with a South Korean IP address from anywhere. Connecting to a South Korean server changes your IP address to a South Korean one, which you need to access local content from abroad. Additionally, it encrypts your connection and masks your actual location making it difficult for others to track your online activity.

After testing 50+ VPNs, ExpressVPN is my favorite for accessing South Korean content. Its robust security features protect your privacy when accessing local online services, like banking apps, news sites, and other South Korean websites. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try all ExpressVPN features risk-free. Getting a refund is straightforward if the service is not for you.

Get a South Korean IP Address >>

Quick Guide: How to Get a South Korean IP Address With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN. With its fast servers in South Korea and military-grade encryption, you can safely bypass geoblocks without compromising speed.
  2. Connect to a server in South Korea. This gives you a South Korea IP address.
  3. Start browsing. Enjoy gaming, torrenting, and browsing from South Korea.
Important. My vpnMentor team and I do not condone copyright infringement. Since the VPNs we recommend here have strict no-logging policies, they can’t keep track of your online activities. This means you’re responsible for how you choose to use a VPN. Please be sure to follow all applicable rules and regulations of Terms of Service of the platforms you use.

Why You Need a VPN to Get a South Korean IP

Due to licensing, and price discrimination, many websites and online banking services from South Korea block overseas visitors. This is done by geoblocking technologies, which check each visitor's IP address.

To get around these geo-restrictions, you need a VPN with servers in South Korea. This simple tool sends traffic through its private server network, replacing your real IP with one from South Korea. Any website or service checking your IP will only see the South Korean one and assume you're actually in the country.

Additionally, a VPN encrypts your connection and keeps your online activity private with a strict no-logs policy. This prevents unwanted third parties from seeing what you do and keeps you safe on public WiFi networks.

Best VPNs to Get a South Korean IP From Anywhere in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Robust Privacy Features for Anonymous Browsing on South Korean Websites

Best Feature No-logs policy and RAM-only servers to prevent your online activity from being monitored or tracked
Speeds Fast enough for uninterrupted gaming, with a 36% speed drop
Server Network 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including South Korea
Device Connections Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously. It even works n Firestick and Android TVs
Works with TV Chosun, Oksusu, KBS, SBS, Netflix (US & South Korea), Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more

Your connection is kept secure and confidential thanks to ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy and TrustedServer technology. The latter deletes all your data with every reboot. On top of that, its headquarters are based in the British Virgin Islands, outside the data-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. This means your sensitive information, such as browsing habits, won't be collected or shared with anyone, not even the authorities. When the Turkish government seized the VPN's servers in an investigation, they found no user data.

Its AES 256-bit encryption is virtually uncrackable and stops hackers from intercepting your data. Perfect Forward Secrecy also frequently updates your encryption keys, which is especially handy if you use public WiFi networks to access South Korean sites. I also tested ExpressVPN for leaks and detected none. Its kill switch (Network Lock) and IP/DNS leak protection safeguard you from accidental data exposure when switching servers, for example.

Screenshot of the ExpressVPN interface showing available VPN protocolsIf you don't have a protocol preference, ExpressVPN will automatically choose the most appropriate one

ExpressVPN’s speeds make it an excellent choice for fast-paced online games. My speeds averaged 80.24 Mbps, a 36% decrease compared to my 124 Mbps baseline connection. I had very low latency playing Lineage W while connected to South Korean servers, and VoIP calls were smooth, too..

P2P file sharing is also supported on its South Korean servers. With unlimited bandwidth, I had no problem downloading large files on all the major torrenting platforms I tested, including uTorrent, Vuze, qBitTorrent, and Deluge.

The only downside is that prices are a bit expensive, starting at $6.67/month. Luckily, ExpressVPN offers frequent discounts to help you save. I got 49% off my long-term subscription, plus 3 months of service free. You can also pay via Bitcoin for added anonymity.

All plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee. After testing it, I asked a 24/7 live chat representative to cancel my subscription. After providing a reason for canceling, they proceeded with my request. My bank account was refunded after 2 business days.

Useful Features

  • Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s proprietary VPN protocol gives you the fastest speeds (due to using less code) while keeping you safe online.
  • Easy to use. The interface is intuitive with a user-friendly design. You can even choose Korean as your preferred language on its Windows and macOS apps and create Shortcuts to quickly launch websites from the VPN app.
  • Threat Manager. This feature protects you from third-party online trackers and other malicious websites. It is currently available on ExpressVPN’s iOS, Mac, and Linux apps.
  • Obfuscated servers. This technology disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, allowing you to use the VPN even on restricted networks, like schools and libraries.
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 — Massive Server Network With Lots of South Korean IP Addresses

Best Feature 24 server locations throughout Seoul to quickly find a South Korean server
Speeds 36% speed loss, still fast enough for uninterrupted game play
Server network 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including ones optimized for torrenting
Device Connections Access South Korean content on 7 devices at once
Works with TV Chosun, Oksusu, KBS, SBS, Netflix (US & South Korea), Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more

CyberGhost provides the most South Korean servers of all VPNs I tested. This gives you plenty of opportunities to get around geoblocks and reliably access local websites abroad. Such a massive amount of South Korean IP addresses also help you avoid IP blacklisting and redundancy. If one IP address becomes blocked or unavailable, you can use another and continue your online activity uninterrupted.

Having multiple South Korean IP addresses can help distribute the load and prevent any one IP address from being overwhelmed with traffic. So, even though it is slightly slower than ExpressVPN, you can use CyberGhost to game without lag. The lowest speed I recorded during my tests was 75 Mbps, a 40% drop from my base speeds. This is impressive, considering South Korea is 5,000+ miles away from my actual location.

It even has servers optimized for torrenting and gaming. So, you can easily find a server near you for excellent speeds to play online shooter games with friends all over the world.

CyberGhost’s privacy and security features are top-notch, so your online safety will be well protected. It uses high-level AES 256-bit encryption to make your connection impenetrable. At the same time, its advanced protocols (including OpenVPN and WireGuard), kill switch, and IPv6 leak protection prevent unwanted third parties from accessing your data. Plus, its no-logs policy ensures your online behavior won't be recorded.

Just be mindful of CyberGhost’s short-term plans, which are expensive and only have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Fortunately, its long-term subscriptions are affordable at $2.03/month and come with an extended money-back guarantee.

With its trustworthy money-back guarantee, you can use CyberGhost free for 45 days. I asked a live chat representative to cancel my subscription to test its refund policy. After answering some basic user-related questions, I got a full refund to my PayPal account after 4 days.

Useful Features

  • Automatic WiFi protection. The VPN launches automatically whenever a new hotspot gets detected. So, you're protected even if you forget to switch on the VPN.
  • Torrenting-optimized servers. CyberGhost has specialized servers optimized for fast and safe torrenting.
  • Content blocker. This feature uses DNS filtering and URL blocking techniques (amongst others) to protect you against ads, trackers, and malicious content while browsing South Korean websites.
  • 24/7 customer support. You can contact support anytime if you need help with more advanced settings.
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. NordVPN — Excellent Speeds for Streaming South Korean TV Shows Without Buffering

Best Feature Reliably fast to watch K-dramas in HD
Speeds One of the fastest VPNs I tested for South Korea, with a 35% speed loss
Server network 6,305 servers in 111 countries, including 10+ servers in South Korea
Device Connections Use the VPN on 6 devices at the same time without a drop in performance
Works with TV Chosun, Oksusu, KBS, SBS, Netflix (US & South Korea), Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more

NordVPN is a good choice for uninterrupted streaming and gaming. Its NordLynx protocol allows for fast and stable connections in South Korea. In my tests from South Korea, I achieved an average download speed of 80.41 Mbps, enough for watching high-resolution shows without delays. I could also download a 2GB copyright-free file in under 4 minutes.

With its strong emphasis on security, you can browse South Korean websites with peace of mind. Along with AES 256-bit encryption, NordVPN provides additional features to protect you from cybercrime. For example, its phishing protection feature helps stop hackers from stealing your login credentials, credit card details, and other personal data. It also has IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection and a kill switch to ensure your real location stays private.

Its CyberSec feature blocks access to malicious websites, preventing you from inadvertently downloading malware, ransomware, or other malicious software. This feature also blocks annoying ads and pop-ups, reducing the risk of accidentally clicking on a malicious link.

Screenshot showing CyberGhost's Threat Protection featureClick on the shield icon on the left of the NordVPN app to access Threat Protection

A minor con of NordVPN is that it sometimes takes a while to connect to a server, especially on Windows. However, if you restart the app, this issue gets resolved, so it wasn't really a problem.

Prices start at $3.09/month if you go for NordVPN’s long-term plan. But, for a little more, you can upgrade to the Complete plan and get 1TB of cloud storage, advanced encryption, and a data breach scanner.

You can get your money back without hassle if you're not 100% happy with the VPN, as all subscriptions support a 30-day refund period. It took me less than 5 minutes to cancel my subscription using 24/7 live chat. My bank account was credited with the total amount within a week.

Useful Features

  • Dark Web Monitor. Constantly scans the dark web and alerts you if your accounts are compromised. This allows you to secure your accounts before any damage occurs.
  • Get the app in Korean. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN's app enables you to change your preferred language to Korean in the app settings.
  • Meshnet. This feature lets you create an encrypted virtual LAN. It is a great option for hosting secure virtual LAN parties for gaming and sharing files.

4. Surfshark — User-Friendly App That's Great for Beginners Needing a Korean IP Address

Best Feature An Intuitive interface makes it easy to get a South Korean IP
Speed Even with a 42% speed drop, speeds are fast enough for a smooth online experience
Server network 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including Seoul
Device Connections Unlimited simultaneous connections to protect all your devices
Works with TV Chosun, Oksusu, KBS, SBS, Netflix (US & South Korea), Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more

Surfshark makes it simple for even the least tech-savvy users to access South Korean content and protect online privacy. When you open the app, use the search bar to quickly find and connect to a South Korean server, that's it. Additionally, with long-term plans costing only $2.89/month and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, Surfshark is ideal for beginners on a budget who want a hassle-free VPN experience.

Screenshot of Surfshark's simple interface showing the list of available serversClick the star icon to add servers to favorites for a quick connection next time

You can browse safely without anyone tracking your online behavior using Surfshark's CleanWeb feature. It also blocks ads on most websites. I saw no ads when I visited the dcinside.com website during my tests.

The VPN offers superior speed, which makes it perfect for activities requiring high bandwidth such online gaming. I could download and play PUBG Mobile Korea effortlessly, without any lag.

I initially had some concerns about my privacy due to the company being headquartered in the Netherlands, which is a member of the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance—a group of countries that exchange intelligence about their citizens. However, Surfshark adheres to a stringent no-logs policy and operates using RAM-only servers, thereby guaranteeing the confidentiality of your online actions.

If the VPN doesn’t meet your expectations, just cancel your subscription within 30 days, and get a full refund. So, you can try Surfshark risk-free before committing.

Useful Features

  • NoBorders. Surfshark automatically activates NoBorders mode when it detects you’re on a restricted network, like at school. This allows you to use the VPN wherever you are.
  • Multihop. When you activate Multihop, Surfshark passes your traffic through 2 different servers and 2 layers of encryption, making your connection even more secure.
  • IP Rotator. This feature gives you a new IP address every 5 to 10 minutes without disconnecting you from the VPN. This makes it harder for hackers to track you since you don’t have a static IP.

5. IPVanish — Protect All Your Devices That Use a South Korean IP Address

Best Feature Access your South Korean accounts on all your devices with 1 subscription
Speed 35% speed loss, among the fastest VPNs I tested for South Korea
Server Network 2,400 servers in 90 countries, including 4 locations in South Korea
Device Connections Unlimited device connections simultaneously
Works with TV Chosun, Oksusu, KBS, SBS, Netflix (US & South Korea), Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more

With unlimited device connections, your household can conveniently access South Korean content on different devices without worrying about switching between VPN accounts. I connected my smartphone, MacBook Pro, Android tablet, and Windows laptop to test this feature and then played Digimon Super Rumble without lags. I noticed nothing different with the increased number of devices, as everything ran smoothly.

The apps are intuitive and display comprehensive details about the load and ping of each server, helping you effortlessly select the quickest one. I experimented with 4 South Korean servers from IPVanish and managed to access my online bank account and favorite Korean MMO game in under 20 seconds, maintaining consistent speeds. Similar to Surfshark, you can mark your preferred South Korean servers for quick access using the star icon.

Screenshot of the IPVanish interface showing its South Korean servers and their ping and load

Servers are alphabetized according to country, with a drop-down arrow for more optionsIPVanish is highly effective in safeguarding your online privacy, with its AES 256-bit encryption rendering it nearly impossible for anyone to breach your connection and gain access to your data. Moreover, its no-logs policy ensures that your personal information remains concealed.

Unfortunately, it doesn't support cryptocurrency payments for extra anonymity. But you can pay with all major credit cards, PayPal, and online gift cards. You can get a long-term plan for $2.75/month, which includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. To test the refund process, I went to my IPVanish dashboard and clicked “I wish to cancel my subscription”. I got the money paid to my credit card 5 days later.

Useful Features

  • Block LAN traffic. This option enhances your security by blocking all traffic on your local network until you connect to the VPN.
  • Multiprotocol support. You can choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and IPSec. I recommend WireGuard for the fastest connections without compromising security.
  • Split tunneling. Great when you want to use a South Korean IP address for some apps and your regular internet connection for Uber or a similar ride-sharing app.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for a South Korean IP Address

It's crucial to mention that not every VPN can provide a South Korean IP address and guarantee your online security at the same time. That said, the VPNs I've listed here feature servers in South Korea, offer easy-to-use interfaces, and come with robust security measures that don't compromise your browsing speed too much. In the following section, you will see a detailed analysis of the features I rigorously examined:

  • Servers in South Korea. Ensure the VPN provider has servers in South Korea for reliable access to South Korean websites.
  • High-level security and privacy. To keep your online activities private, look for a VPN with strong encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. Also, check that it has a no-logs policy so that your online activities won't be tracked or recorded.
  • Fast speeds. A VPN will usually slow you down because of the encryption, but with a good one, you won't notice the drop. Choose a VPN that lets you torrent, browse, and game without delays.
  • User-friendly apps. Look for a VPN with an easy-to-use interface, especially if you are a beginner. This will make it straightforward to connect to a South Korean server and obtain a South Korean IP address.
  • Customer support. A VPN that offers 24/7 customer support is essential to help you with any issues or questions, like setting it up on your router.
  • Multi-platform support. Check whether the VPN has native apps for all your favorite devices and allows for multiple simultaneous connections under one subscription.
  • Money-back guarantee. Go for a service that can be trusted to refund your money if you're not happy with the outcome. This way, you can try the VPN risk-free.

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. However, accessing certain content through a South Korean IP address may be illegal, depending on the website's terms of use or the laws of the country you're in. Using a VPN keeps your online activities private, so you don't get in trouble if you accidentally break the rules.

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 and confirm you can access local content. Alternatively, 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.

What are the other ways to get a South Korean IP address?

You use a proxy server or Smart DNS service to get a South Korean IP address, but they do not offer the same level of security and encryption as a VPN. So, your data could be vulnerable to hackers and other malicious third parties. While a proxy server is easy to set up and configure, it's unreliable and can slow you down. A Smart DNS is faster but may only work on some devices.

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.

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 the country. You shouldn't have problems accessing your usual apps, like KakoaTalk, Facebook, and Instagram.

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.

Get a South Korean IP Address in Minutes

You can easily get a South Korean IP address with a premium VPN that has servers in the country. All the VPNs on this list can unblock South Korean websites from anywhere, while protecting your personal data without noticeable slowdowns.

My top recommendation for South Korea is ExpressVPN with its world-class privacy and security features, fast speeds, and thousands of South Korean IP addresses. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test all ExpressVPN features risk-free. If you aren’t 100% satisfied, you can easily get a full refund.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to get a South Korean IP address...

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 67%!
4
9.4 /10
9.4 Our Score
Save 85%!
5
9.3 /10
9.3 Our Score
Save 78%!
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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

Kelvin is a writer and cyber-safety researcher at vpnMentor, whose expertise in the latest online security tools aids readers in keeping them safe from hackers and online snoops.