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.
Advertising Disclosure

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.

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

James Everard Updated on 27th August 2024 Fact-checked by Emma Browne Senior Writer

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.

After testing 50+ VPNs, our top recommendation for getting a South Korea IP is ExpressVPN. Its robust security features protect your privacy and your devices, so you can safely access South Korean streaming, banking, news, and more from anywhere. 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. 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 a South Korean IP Today >>

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

  1. Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN since it has multiple servers in South Korea and the fastest speeds we’ve tested.
  2. Connect to a server in South Korea. This gives you a South Korea IP address.
  3. Start browsing. Enjoy safe gaming, torrenting, and browsing from anywhere.
Editor’s note: The VPNs we recommend carry strict no-logging policies, so none of your online activities can be traced back to you. Therefore, it’s down to you to use your VPN responsibly. We encourage you to follow the applicable laws and regulations in your region. The vpnMentor team condemns any form of copyright violation.

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Getting a South Korean IP Address in 2024

  • Editor's Choice
    ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN
    The fastest speeds we tested on South Korean IP addresses, thanks to its proprietary protocol.
    70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
  • CyberGhost VPN
    CyberGhost
    Specialty servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, including one for Netflix KR.
  • Private Internet Access
    Private Internet Access
    Tons of adjustable settings to tailor your connections for South 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.

How to Get a South Korean IP Address With a VPN: 2024 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. I recommend ExpressVPN since it has dozens of reliable servers in the country and the fastest speeds we’ve tested for accessing South Korean sites in the best possible quality from anywhere.

Screenshot showing the signup page on the ExpressVPN websiteIt took less than 5 minutes to set up my account

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.

Screenshot showing the app download page on the ExpressVPN websiteYou can even install it on routers to protect your game consoles, too

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.

Screenshot showing the ExpressVPN server list and appIt only takes a few clicks to find a server and connect

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.

Screenshot showing the naver.com homepageEach link we clicked loaded instantly, too

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.

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

Get a South Korean IP address in just a few clicks with our top-recommended VPN services. These VPNs offer competitive prices, large server networks (including in South Korea), and fast speeds. They all support multiple devices for families and groups and come with reliable money-back guarantees.

Lowest Price Server Network Speeds Device Connections Refund Period
🥇ExpressVPN $6.67/month 3,000 servers in 105 countries Extremely fast 8 30 days
🥈CyberGhost $2.19/month 11,690 servers in 100 countries Very fast 7 45 days
🥉Private Internet Access $2.19/month 29,650 servers in 91 countries Very fast Unlimited 30 days

1. ExpressVPN — The Fastest Speeds We Tested for Securely Accessing SK Content From Anywhere

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.

ExpressVPN’s speeds make it an excellent choice for UHD streaming, browsing, and downloading on South Korean platforms. While testing ExpressVPN, we had extremely fast speeds on local servers, with slowdowns of just 2%. This was unnoticeable, so you can expect reliable connections with its South Korea IP addresses wherever you are.

Such speeds are partly due to Lightway, ExpressVPN’s proprietary high-speed, low-code protocol. Since it’s so lightweight, it even conserves battery when browsing on your mobile device. Plus, it offers military-grade encryption and an automatic kill switch, so you can enjoy SK content securely from anywhere, even on unsecured public WiFi networks.

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 48% off my long-term subscription, plus 3 months of service free. All plans also include a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested it myself using 24/7 live chat, and it was fast and reliable.

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. CyberGhost — Specialty Servers for Streaming, Gaming, and Downloading in South Korea and Abroad

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.

CyberGhost offers hundreds of specialty servers for secure streaming, gaming, and torrenting from anywhere. The streaming servers are optimized for specific platforms, and there’s even one for Netflix KR. In our tests, we had only minor slowdowns using CyberGhost’s streaming servers, recording an average of 7% on nearby connections. It’s not quite as fast as ExpressVPN, but still fast enough for UHD streaming.

Just be mindful of CyberGhost’s short-term plan, which is expensive and only has a 14-day money-back guarantee. Fortunately, its long-term subscriptions are affordable at $2.19/month and come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

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.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Adjustable Settings to Tailor Your Connections for South Korea

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.

PIA has tons of adjustable settings to modify your South Korean connections. We used the standard 256-bit encryption on unsecured networks, where malicious actors could easily snoop on our data. However, 128-bit encryption worked well for streaming without significantly reducing security. You also get Multi-Hop servers that combine the VPN with a proxy to double your protection, which ExpressVPN and CyberGhost don’t offer.

In fact, VPN beginners may find PIA’s wealth of features a little overwhelming. But, if you’re a techie like me, you’ll revel in how many different settings you can tweak. Prices are competitive, starting at just $2.19/month and come with a trusty 30-day money-back guarantee.

October 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!

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for South Korea

We followed a stringent testing methodology when selecting VPNs to get a South Korean IP. Firstly, we made sure each VPN had reliable servers in South Korea with regularly updated IPs. Next, we made sure speeds were fast enough for streaming in the best possible quality from anywhere. Finally, we ensured each service had a standout feature that made it unique.

For all the details on our testing, visit our methodology page. It gives you the full breakdown of the processes we utilize to bring you the latest cybersecurity news and info. Feel free to use it as the basis for your own tests.

Want to read even more? Take a look at our in-depth guides for specific online activities.

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.

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

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.

Rank
Provider
Our Score
Discount
Visit Website
1
medal
9.9 /10
9.9 Our Score
Save 48%!
2
9.7 /10
9.7 Our Score
Save 83%!
3
9.5 /10
9.5 Our Score
Save 82%!
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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 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

James conducts rigorous hands-on research and testing to evaluate dozens of VPNs for his articles. He's an advocate for digital freedom.

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