How to Get a Korean IP Address with a VPN (Updated for 2024)

How to Get a Korean IP Address with a VPN (Updated for 2024)

Usually, you may need a Korean VPN-provided IP address for two reasons. The first is to beat geo-restrictions on certain platforms. This is mostly the case for individuals outside South Korea who nonetheless want to access Korean content. The encryptions on platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, etc., could prevent you from accessing their content from your remote location.

Secondly, you may need a VPN-sponsored Korean IP address to take advantage of improved security. The Korean government is noted for its internet censorship. It monitors users’ activities online and also limits access to certain content. Thus, even when the content may not be geo-blocked, you could be in danger when you access the Korean internet space from your remote location or from within the country.

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) offers a safe and reliable means to get a Korean IP address. When you connect to a VPN server in Korea, it swaps out your IP address with a virtual one. This allows you to access Korean-specific content regardless of your location. It also tightens your security. Thus, whether you are in the country or connecting remotely, your data will be inaccessible to the government or cybercriminals.

This guided review shows you how to get a Korean IP address using a VPN and the best VPN providers to consider. Here goes.

Steps to Getting a Korean IP Address

When you try to access content on some platforms such as Netflix Korea or Hulu or certain videos on YouTube Korea, the algorithms on the platform scan your IP address. Once it detects that you are outside the country, it blocks you.

Similarly, the Korean authorities can monitor your internet activities using your IP address. Sometimes they collude with your Internet Service Providers (ISPs). There is even the possibility that you could get into trouble, especially if you are a dissident, North Korean sympathizer, or hold any other unfavorable views against the authorities.

How do you get a Korean VPN address, then? The steps include:

  • Choose a VPN you trust. We offer you a list of great providers below. You can settle for any with no qualms at all.
  • Download and install the VPN app compatible with your device.
  • Get on a VPN subscription.
  • Toggle your VPN settings and set them to your preference.
  • Connect to a server stationed in Korea.
  • Check your new IP address using an IP-checking tool.
  • Browse, stream, and download content easily.

No doubt, there are quite several VPN providers in the market today. However, and expectedly, their capabilities are not all the same. From our research, here are our recommended VPNs for getting a Korean IP address:

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN devices

Features

  • Number of servers: More than 3,000
  • Speeds: Unlimited
  • Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
  • Maximum devices supported: 5
  • 24 live chat: Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes

Pros/Cons

  • Fastest VPN out there
  • Strict no logs policy
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Few discounts
Visit ExpressVPN

At the top of our list is the widely popular ExpressVPN. Its popularity can be linked to its stellar features, endearing it to users globally. Whether you need a VPN-provided Korean IP address to access Korean content remotely or to bypass government censorship, ExpressVPN is equal to the task. We highly recommend this VPN for use in getting a Korean IP address.

With over 3000 servers in 160 global locations, ExpressVPN has one of the highest server counts in the industry. Additionally, it has some of these servers in South Korea, as well as other Asia-Pacific countries. These servers are very fast, delivering content in HD without the slightest buffering. You get the AES 256-bit encryption when you get on this service. In addition, ExpressVPN supports the Lightway protocol, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols on each Korean server.

You can also take advantage of the superb unblocking ability of this provider to unlock other region-restricted sites. ExpressVPN is also excellent for safe torrenting and P2P file sharing. Your data will not leak on this service.

This is one provider that has apps for almost any device type you can think of. You are allowed to connect the standard 5 devices to one account. ExpressVPN does not have a free version or offer a free trial period. However, it gives users a 30-day money-back window to use its service and request a refund, no questions asked.

  • Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $6.67

NordVPN

NordVPN devices

Features

  • Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: 6
  • Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
  • Servers: 5342 in 58 countries

Pros/Cons

  • Lots of pricing options
  • Netflix support kept up to date
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Slow app
Visit NordVPN

NordVPN also comes highly recommended. It is perhaps the only VPN that can match or even exceed the services ExpressVPN offers. This provider has more than 5300 global servers in 61 countries, with more than 10 available in Seoul, South Korea. Connecting to any of them will afford you the reliable, safe, and almost-unhackable Korean IP address that you seek.

Having confirmed that this provider indeed has servers in South Korea, what other reasons are there to consider its service? Firstly, NordVPN has superb security features. These include the standard AES 256-bit encryption model it uses for all of its servers. It also has a kill switch, allows split tunneling, and prevents IP leaks. Its double VPN feature routes your servers through its servers twice, and it affords users a static/dedicated IP address for an additional token fee.

This VPN’s Quick Connect feature automatically connects you with the best server in your chosen location. This service is quite fast. Hence, you would hardly notice any speed difference between your regular browsing and surfing speed and the one provided by this VPN. You get unlimited bandwidth and no data caps with this service.

NordVPN provides native apps for Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Windows devices. It also is compatible with routers and has browser extensions for Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. You can connect 6 devices to one service and also take advantage of the 30-day money-back window to potentially use the VPN for free.

  • Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $3.71

Surfshark

Surfshark devices

Features

  • Free trial? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
  • Ad blocking? Yes
  • Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries

Pros/Cons

  • No footprints
  • Allows torrenting
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Not the fastest
Try Surfshark

Ranking third on our list is the powerful Surfshark. It is a recent entrant into the VPN space but is already blazing a trail for itself. It does quite well in terms of security features, unblocking ability, user-friendliness, and the range of VPN apps. We are confident in nominating it for use when looking for a Korean IP address provider.

Surfshark has about 3200 servers in 63 countries. It has quite a number of those in South Korea. When you connect to any of the servers, you automatically get assigned a Korean IP address. This replaces your actual one. You can thus enjoy all the benefits residents enjoy, all with improved security. Each server allows you to choose either the IPSec/IKEv2 or OpenVPN protocols. The servers are P2P-friendly, great if you are looking to torrent files while using the VPN. You can also utilize the Camouflage mode to hide the fact that you are on a VPN service. This strengthens your security even further.

Surfshark is great for streaming and also unblocks geo-restricted content with ease. Thus, from any location, you can unblock Korean-specific shows and movies. In addition, you can also, either from South Korea or any other location, access geo-blocked platforms anywhere else in the world.

This provider has apps for most device types. In addition, it allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices to one account. This is great, affording you the opportunity of teaming up with as many friends as possible to get on one plan.

  • Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest Price: $2.49

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN devices

Features

  • P2P support? Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
  • Country of origin? Switzerland
  • Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
  • Simultaneous devices: 5

Pros/Cons

  • Professional support
  • Modern interface and apps
  • AES-256 encryption
  • Lesser known provider
Try ProtonVPN

There are just about a few VPN providers who take security as seriously as ProtonVPN. This provider equips its service with features that afford users top-notch security and privacy. As expected, you can get a Korean IP address with this provider.

One thing you can count on when it comes to ProtonVPN is transparency. The provider is clear about its capabilities, strengths, and shortcomings. Hence, it provides a comprehensive discussion on the merits of getting its VPN protection while in Korea. Of its 1451 servers, 4 are located in South Korea. It further states that users can take advantage of its Secure Core feature for improved security. The Secure Core routes your traffic through multiple servers. This makes it harder for anyone to track your data.

ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland. The Swiss authorities are the beacon of user privacy. Thus, you stand no risk of having your data requisitioned by the government. In addition, ProtonVPN tops it off with a no-log policy. It does not retain your data while on its service. This prevents accidental compromise or leakage of your data.

This provider is one of the few that offer a thoroughly free version. The free plan does not allow access to Korean servers, though. Its paid plans are pocket-friendly, so you can opt for any of those. You are allowed to connect up to 10 devices to one account. ProtonVPN has reliable, professional support if you run into any challenges.

  • Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
  • Lowest price: €4

CyberGhost

CyberGhost devices

Features

  • Connected devices at once: 7
  • Automatic kill switch? Yes
  • One click connect: Yes
  • Servers: 5900 worldwide

Pros/Cons

  • No logs policy
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Apps for mobile devices and routers
  • No free option
Try CyberGhost

This provider is another remarkable oldie. However, its age has nothing on its capabilities. In fact, it competes favorably with even the newer providers in the market. You can trust CyberGhost to give you a Korean-compatible IP address regardless of your location.

This provider has 7000+ servers in 113 locations and 91 countries. It has 24 of those in South Korea. When you connect to any of those, you automatically find that your IP address changes to appear as though you are in South Korea. With this, you can break through geo-blocks on several platforms. For users in South Korea, as soon as you get on the VPN, it automatically connects you with the best server in your location. You can stay safe from government surveillance and censorship this way.

CyberGhost has a slew of security features that make it indispensable for high-surveillance locations like South Korea. For one, it secures its users’ data with the AES 256-bit encryption model. Furthermore, it allows you to choose either the OpenVPN, IKEV2, or WireGuard protocols. It has an automatic kill switch, DNS, and IP leak protection features and even offers users dedicated IP addresses for stronger security.

This provider has apps for the major device types. It allows you to connect 7 devices simultaneously to one account. Its plans go for $12.99 monthly for a one-off purchase, $3.99 per month for a year’s worth of subscription, and $2.25 per month if you are going for the 3-year plan.

  • Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
  • Lowest price: €2

Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN to Get a Korean IP Address

Before you choose any VPN for a Korean IP address, you should consider a few factors. Here are a few of them:

1. Availability of Servers in Korea:

The first thing to consider is that the VPN provider has servers stationed in Korea. As already highlighted above, you need to connect to a VPN server in Korea to change your IP address to be Korean-compatible. That is if you are outside the region. Generally, the higher the number of Korean servers a provider has, the better for you. In any case, a VPN provider without a Korean server is a no-no. See the VPNs with most servers in Korea here.

2. Security Features:

Generally, a VPN is supposed to keep you secure from hackers, cybercriminals, and even the government. This requirement is especially heightened considering the nature of the Korean internet space. Consider how robust the security features a provider has before committing to any.

3. Price:

You need to be able to afford the VPN’s services. Cross this requirement off your list before going with any provider. It is also a great idea to confirm if the provider gives a trial period or/and a money-back guarantee window. The money-back window offers you an opportunity to use the service and request a refund if unsatisfied with the quality of service. You will find this useful if you are traveling outside Korea for a while. Compare different VPN prices here.

4. Device Compatibility:

Here, you should consider whether the provider has apps for your device and the installation process available.

Conclusion

Whether you are in South Korea or overseas, you may need an encrypted Korean IP address. A VPN offers you the best way to get this. There are several VPN providers in the industry. This review looks at some of the best there are while also sharing steps on how to get and use a Korean IP address with a VPN.