How To Bypass Google Blocks in Korea With a VPN
South Korea is interested in controlling the dominance of large tech companies such as Google and Apple. Recently, the government amended its “Anti Google law”, which targets app store operators with dominant market positions. Additionally, Korea is set to fine Google $176.9 million for allegedly using its dominance to stifle competition.
This means that people in Korea cannot enjoy all of Google’s services. For example, Google Maps cannot provide driving and walking directions in Korea. Korea is actually one of the few countries in the world where the service is blocked.
Fortunately, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to bypass the blocks on Google in Korea so you can use the service as if you were elsewhere.
How To Bypass Google Blocks in Korea With a VPN
Google has tons of incredible services and apps that millions of users enjoy worldwide. However, in South Korea, some Google apps, including Google Maps, and other services are unavailable to users.
This means that you have to be in a country with friendly internet laws to get the most of Google, or you can spoof your IP address with a VPN.
VPNs are very handy tools for security and privacy on the internet. It reroutes your traffic through a secure and encrypted server while cloaking your real IP address.
With a new IP address, Koreans and tourists in Korea get to use Google as they’d like and gain access to services exclusive to other regions. Here are steps you can follow to set up a VPN to bypass the block on Google in Korea:
1. Choose a VPN: First off, choose a VPN, and sign up. We’ll discuss the best VPN options shortly.
2. Download and Install the App: Next, you’ll have to download the VPN app from the provider’s website or your device’s app store and then install it.
3. Connect to a VPN Server: After installing the VPN app, the next step is to connect to a server located in a country or region where Google isn’t blocked.
4. Try to Use Google Services: Finally, you can now try to use Google’s services
with your connection set up. If you’re connected to the right server, you will use Google like you weren’t in Korea.
Best VPNs for Bypassing Google Block in Korea
You’ll come across various VPNs in the market that claim to bypass Google blocks in Korea. However, you’re in safer hands with the best available options. To help you make the right choice, here are some of the best VPN providers you can consider:
ExpressVPN
For people visiting or living in Korea, ExpressVPN is the best VPN that can unblock Google services. With over a decade worth of experience under its belt, this VPN has become synonymous with top-notch security and privacy.
ExpressVPN’s headquarters is in the British Virgin Islands, and it operates 3000+ servers in 94 countries. Google isn’t blocked in most of these countries, so you wouldn’t have difficulty figuring out which server you can connect to gain access.
While you get to unblock Google, ExpressVPN also offers ultra-fast internet speeds that are excellent for downloading large files, streaming videos, and other activities. Additionally, there’s unlimited speed and bandwidth, which means that you can surf the web, use Google-owned services without interruptions.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN is a highly secure service. It uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch to protect your data traffic. It is also capable of implementing VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and Lightway. Other features you get with ExpressVPN include split tunneling and private DNS.
Privacy is very important in Korea, and ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-log policy which means that the VPN doesn’t keep records of your activities. In addition, it has TrustedServer technology which ensures that it doesn’t save your data to the VPN servers.
ExpressVPN is available on all operating platforms that support Google services, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. This VPN allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you only need a VPN for a short time.
NordVPN
A great alternative to ExpressVPN is NordVPN. This is another fantastic VPN provider that is capable of bypassing the blocks on Google in Korea. In addition to its unblocking capabilities, NordVPN is also renowned for its speedy internet connections and remarkable features.
NordVPN has an extensive server network of over 5300 servers in 50+ countries. This VPN’s headquarters is in Panama. NordVPN is also capable of unblocking apps on Google Playstore and other Google services. All you need to do is a new IP address from any server.
You must remain anonymous while accessing Google in Korea. NordVPN doesn’t save your logs because it maintains a serious no-log policy. This ensures that you don’t leave any digital footprints that anyone could trace back to you.
NordVPN uses its proprietary NordLynx protocol to provide high-speed connections. Additionally, it offers unlimited bandwidth and speed, which means you can say goodbye to data throttling, lagging, and buffering.
With NordVPN, you wouldn’t have to worry about the Korean government or other third parties snooping on your activities. It is equipped with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, CyberSec, Double VPN, split tunneling features, and data leak protection.
You can conveniently install NordVPN on major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Additionally, you can have up to six simultaneous connections with one active subscription. NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee which is great if you need to use the VPN for a short time to access Google services in Korea.
Surfshark
If you’re in the market for some of the most affordable VPNs, Surfshark is a great choice. This VPN is quite new, but it is already making its mark thanks to premium VPN features, speed, and unblocking abilities. Surfshark comes highly recommended if you want to bypass the block on Google in Korea.
Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark’s headquarters is also in the British Virgin Islands. Surfshark has more than 3000 servers in 60+ countries. The VPN perfectly cloaks your IP address with a new one, so while in Korea, you can change your location anywhere without Google restrictions.
Surfshark is another super-fast VPN that offers unlimited speed and bandwidth. However, it is best to connect to the server located closest to Korea for the best speeds. Surfshark is known for bypassing tough geo-blocks, so it can easily unblock Google. It also maintains a strict no-log policy.
Surfshark has a reliable security system. It is equipped with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and it is capable of implementing IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Shadowsocks VPN protocols. Furthermore, Surfshark comes with a kill switch, MultiHop, CleanWeb, private DNS, NoBorder mode, camouflage mode, and IP leak protection.
You can install Surfshark on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. In addition, this VPN doesn’t have a limit to the number of devices you can connect with one account. Surfshark has a 30-day money-back guarantee which means that you can use the VPN risk-free.
CyberGhost
The next VPN is another well-recognized VPN provider. CyberGhost has incredible unblocking skills capable of bypassing the Korean block on Google. Additionally, CyberGhost has outstanding features and lightning-fast internet speed.
CyberGhost is based in Romania. This VPN has one of the most extensive server networks available, with more than 6000 servers in 91 countries. So if you’re traveling to Korea on a holiday, you can use the VPN to unblock Google Maps so that you can check out great locations.
CyberGhost has a strict no-log policy which means that their servers don’t record your browsing sessions. So even if the Korean government tries to see what you’ve been up to, there would be nothing to see. Furthermore, CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers help you avoid the Korean government’s internet surveillance.
This VPN also offers outstanding internet speeds and unblocking abilities. Apart from Google, you can use this VPN to unblock several other platforms in Korea, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
Furthermore, CyberGhost boasts a robust security system. It uses AES on active 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, ad blockers, split tunneling features, and data leak protection. It also supports a variety of VPN protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN.
CyberGhost is compatible with all the popular operating systems, and one active subscription allows you to connect seven devices simultaneously. CyberGhost also offers the longest refund window. Its plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee.
ProtonVPN
Rounding up our countdown is ProtonVPN. This is a very secure and reliable VP provider. It has useful premium features, and importantly, it is capable of unblocking Google and tons of other services in Korea.
ProtonVPN doesn’t have a server network as extensive as other VPN providers on our list. However, it has more than 1200 servers in 55 countries. ProtonVPN’s servers may not seem like much, but it gives you many locations you can connect to unblock Google in Korea. Additionally, the VPN has a strict no-log policy which means that all your activities remain private and don’t leave a data trail.
ProtonVPN is capable of bypassing the toughest censorship on the internet. For example, you have access to Google in no time, and you can also avoid the restrictions on other platforms in Korea. In addition, ProtonVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and speed for a seamless browsing experience.
This VPN has top-tier security. It is equipped with AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, an ad blocker, Secure Core, split tunneling feature, and data leak protection. So you can rest assured that the VPN won’t compromise your security.
ProtonVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. Also, an account allows you to connect ten devices simultaneously. ProtonVPN is one of the few premium services that offer a limited free version. However, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to use the service risk-free.
What To Consider Before Choosing a VPN To Bypass Google Block in Korea
On paper, many VPN services may seem similar or the same. This makes it difficult for many people to decide what VPN is their best option. However, here are a couple of factors you need to look out for in any VPN you want to use to bypass the block on Google in Korea:
Server Network
One of the most important things that should influence your decision is the server network of the VPN provider. Since the Korean government blocks IP addresses in Korea, the VPN provider must have multiple servers located across different regions. This allows you to connect to various locations that will grant you access to Google.
Device Compatibility
You must make sure that the VPN provider you are considering offers client apps compatible with your device. So if it can’t function on the device you want to use to access Google in Korea, you must consider other options. Luckily all the VPN apps on our list are available on all major platforms.
Security Features
The internet space in Korea is closely monitored and controlled by the government, and if you don’t want them keeping tabs on your activities, your data traffic needs to be protected. The best VPN out there offers the highest standard of security that protects you from surveillance, malware, viruses, hackers, and other malicious characters.
Privacy Features
Privacy is another serious issue, especially when you are trying to access a blocked service. You wouldn’t want your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or Korean government agencies to know what you’re up to. So, we advise that you use a VPN with the highest encryption standards and a no-log policy.
Conclusion
Google cannot operate in Korea the way it normally would in other countries like the United States. This is because the government has imposed certain blocks on the service. This means that if you’re visiting or residing in Korea, you won’t have access to certain apps and services.
However, this article has discussed using a VPN to bypass the existing block with ease. We’ve also shared our recommendations for the best VPN services, along with other helpful tips.