How to Play PUBG in Korea with a VPN (Guide for 2024)

How to Play PUBG in Korea with a VPN (Guide for 2024)

PUBG is short for PlayerUnknown’s Battleground — an online battle royale game that has gained massive popularity over the past few years. It is currently available on all top platforms — Android and iOS for mobile, desktop computers, and gaming consoles.

Many attribute this game’s popularity to its realistic gaming modules and the fact that you can play and compete with your friends. In a world where battle royale games are becoming more popular, PUBG has etched a niche for itself. PUBG was one of the first names in the golden age of battle royale games, and it has managed to stay relevant since then.

For now, the product has joined the ranks of the top battle royale games. This puts it in the company of games like Fortnite, Rules of Survival, and more.

Why Can’t I Play PUBG in Korea?

While PUBG is popular in many countries, some have had issues with accessing the game. Despite originating from South Korea, PUBG restricts some of its versions to South Korean players.

Bans aren’t so uncommon. Over the years, governments and app developers have banned some regions from accessing certain services and apps. This ban could happen due to many reasons — diplomatic issues, conflicts, or fears that a country might be too dangerous for some reason. 

This is why most South Korean gamers look for ways to circumvent this restriction and access their favorite games.

Is There a Way to Bypass PUBG restrictions?

One of the best and most trusted means of getting by these restrictions is using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). It’s also a pretty straightforward process that won’t cost you much. Primarily, VPNs help to obscure your location and ensure that you can access some parts of the internet where you shouldn’t be able to do so ideally. 

Initially, VPNs were used by journalists, hackers, and investigators who wanted to find information that no one wanted them to access. However, these tools soon became more democratically available, with just anyone getting access to them.

You can easily use a VPN to bypass most restrictions and access different services, including PUBG. It would be just like you moved to a restriction-free location!

Now that we know about VPNs and their ability to improve PUBG play in South Korea check out some of our top recommended VPN choices for easy access to your favorite game.

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

Many believe ExpressVPN to be the best VPN service in the world. To be fair, anyone that does so has a pretty solid point. For a while now, the service has continued to deliver top-notch performances across different markets.

ExpressVPN provides access to over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. As expected, South Korea is one of such countries.

For gamers and streamers who would like to access the full PUBG suite in South Korea, you will be glad to know that ExpressVPN provides easy access to restricted services. Usually, the standard is Netflix; it is the most challenging streaming platform to unblock, and many VPNs find it difficult to do so. Since ExpressVPN allows access to Netflix, you can rest assured that it will grant you access to PUBG.

ExpressVPN is also very fast. Playing battle royals games requires a significant amount of speed, and you can rest assured that this VPN won’t let you down. You can stream your game easily without any bandwidth interference.

You will also love the security features that this service packs. There is an AES 256-bit encryption feature available, which protects your traffic and information. You also get protection from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, IPv6 leaks, and much more. Since the service doesn’t collect your information, you’re safe and anonymous on all fronts.

You can get Express VPN on macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows devices. The VPN is also available for Chrome and Firefox browsers.

  • 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

If there were ever a VPN service that could battle with ExpressVPN, it would most likely be these guys. NordVPN has been in the industry for a while now. Like ExpressVPN, it has put up some impressive performances too.

NordVPN is also a robust offering for PUBG lovers in South Korea, like ExpressVPN. The service has servers across the country and over 60 other countries for you to connect. With their network of over 6,400 servers worldwide, you can hop on any as you please.

NordVPN is a seamless service. You can connect to the most restrictive services and enjoy their full catalog of services or connect to PUBG’s online store too. Pair this with the company’s state-of-the-art internet connection, and you will be able to stream and play your game without any sort of network lag.

NordVPN does all of these while also protecting you. The service employs AES 256-bit encryption as its primary security feature, although you also get protection against DNS leaks and IPv6 leaks. NordVPN doesn’t collect any of your information, so you’re free from any attacks that may be incurred.

You can access NordVPN on macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android platforms. Desktop users can take advantage of the Firefox and Chrome extensions too.

  • 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

Despite being quite an upstart, SurfShark has managed to take its service to the forefront of the internet security industry. It might have a bit of work to do before catching up with some of the industry’s biggest names, but it’s undoubtedly on the right path.

South Korean PUBG lovers appreciate the service’s offering for sure because you get over 1,800 servers across 60+ countries. That means you can change your location to any of the top gaming destinations and enjoy their access.

SurfShark has also touted its No Borders feature, which they claim will allow users to access countries with the highest censorship levels. So, you can rest assured of easy access to PUBG.

Another impressive thing about SurfShark is that the company offers more in terms of free services. For instance, there is no limit to the number of devices you can connect on an account. So, you and your buddies can pay for one account and enjoy the same services. There is also no bandwidth cap here, so accessibility is optimal.

SurfShark’s security features are standard. AES 256-bit encryption keeps you safe, and a kill switch turns off your data transfer once you get disconnected from the network.

SurfShark is available on macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV.

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

PrivateInternetAccess

PrivateInternetAccess devices

Features

  • IP cloaking? Yes
  • Access to US domains? Yes
  • Devices supported: Over 30 (including iOS and Android)
  • Firewalls? Yes
  • Servers: 3000+ in over 25 countries

Pros/Cons

  • Military grade encryption
  • Firewall
  • Completely private browsing
  • Lesser known provider
Visit PrivateInternetAccess

Like SurfShark, Private Internet Access is a bit of an unknown name in the internet security industry. However, the company has a lot of tricks under its sleeve. Its VPN service is a top-of-the-line product undoubtedly.

PIA allows access to over 2,500 servers in 47+ countries. Top gaming locations are included here so that South Korean PUBG lovers can access their best game. The service also gets across restrictions quickly, so you have no issues with optimal streaming.

In terms of security, PIA doesn’t short-change you. The service provides both AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption and data encryption and IPv6 leak protection. The service even provides a MACE feature that blocks ads and malware. A kill switch is also available here, so rest assured that you’re entirely protected.

However, the service does collect information from you. When you connect, PIA takes your username, IP address, and data usage data. Note that the service deletes all of this as soon as you cut your connection from its VPN.

PIA is available on iOS, Android, and Windows. For desktop users, you can access the service via extensions for Chrome, Opera, and Firefox.

  • Pros: Military grade encryption; Firewall; Completely private browsing;
  • Lowest price: €2.50

UltraVPN

UltraVPN devices

Features

  • One click connect? Yes
  • Servers: 100+ superfast servers
  • Bandwidth cap? No
  • Platforms: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android

Pros/Cons

  • Firewall
  • Apps for all devices
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Not as many servers as others
Try UltraVPN

UltraVPN has been making some waves recently, especially in South Korea. VPN users love to have adequate support when they run into challenges, and the service is notorious for its quick response time.

To be fair, UltraVPN doesn’t have that many servers. However, the company’s over 1000 servers are in areas with high traffic and easy access, so you can at least access those. Even at that, UltraVPN is still a top-hit in South Korea. The network has passed censorship tests, as it delivered top results when it came to evading restrictions. So, get your PUBG controllers and get ready to play!

As for security, you’re also pretty much covered. AES 256-bit protection is available, and an automatic kill switch cuts data transfer when you disconnect from the network.

UltraVPN doesn’t take records of your location; your activity records online are safe. So, no one can track you or use your information to take action against you.

UltraVPN is available for macOS, Android, iOS, and Windows.

  • Pros: Firewall; Apps for all devices; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: €2.99

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

CyberGhost has made a name for itself among the industry giants, thanks to its vast server numbers.

With this VPN, you get access to over 6,400 servers across over 90 countries. That’s quite impressive, indeed! Real gamers in South Korea will love this one. You can connect to it without any need for prior tech experience, and you get to enjoy all the optimal services. AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch (only for desktop users), and a no-log policy will keep you safe.

CyberGhost helps to stream content easily, so you can access PUBG and bypass its restrictions without hitches. You can get the VPN if you use macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. For Linux users, there has to be some manual installation before it runs.

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

TrustZone

TrustZone devices

Features

  • Complete anonymity? Yes
  • Unblocking of all websites? Yes
  • Pricing options: 4
  • Servers: 164 in 80+ zones
  • Free trial: Yes

Pros/Cons

  • Military grade encryption
  • Bitcoin accepted
  • App for mobile devices
  • Lesser known provider
Try TrustZone

Trust.Zone rounds up our list of the best VPNs for South Korean PUBG lovers. The service comes with 180 servers across 40 countries, giving you access to high-traffic areas and a solid base of locations.

One of this service’s top challenges is its internet connection. It’s not quite reliable in that area, so you might want to stay close to an excellent connection to access your PUBG game.

Asides that, this VPN’s no-log policy protects you and your data, offering you total anonymity online. You also get AES 256-bit reliable encryption for security and a kill switch feature that protects you once your connection fails. You can access all the streaming services you would like and easily enjoy your game via this VPN.

You can get the full, unlimited version of Trust.Zone on Android and Windows.

  • Pros: Military grade encryption; Bitcoin accepted; App for mobile devices;
  • Lowest price: €3

How to Use a VPN to Play PUBG

Getting a VPN to play PUBG is relatively easy. Remember that the entire point of having a VPN is to help you connect to servers outside your country to allow access to services that you don’t have.

  • The first thing you should do is download the VPN service.
  • Once it’s installed, the next thing to do is connect to it. If you’re done with that, try to run some tests to ensure that the service is working optimally. 
  • From there, check the VPN’s settings to see if they tally with the existing information about them. Examine their security features to ensure your safety online and browse the services that they provide.
  • Once you ascertain that the VPN works effectively, you’re ready to play your PUBG game. Connect to it and access the full features to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions on How To Play PUBG in Korea with a VPN

Why should I use a VPN for PUBG in Korea?

There are so many reasons why you may need a VPN when playing PUBG in Korea. For example, a VPN protects you from DDoS attacks while gaming. Multiplayer games are usually targeted by hackers that want to win in any way. So, when these DDoS attacks occur, your game freezes and you lose the ability to do anything. However, you’re protected against hackers if you’re playing PUBG over a VPN connection.

Additionally, the VPNs in this article do not slow your internet speeds as you play against players across the world. Slow speeds are not ideal for multiplayer games like PUBG, so by using top-rated VPNs, your speed could match other players in Korea and other countries.

Furthermore, a VPN allows you to access content that is exclusive in other countries. You just have to switch servers to find an appropriate server. VPNs also protect your sensitive data while you’re playing PUBG in Korea.

Can a free VPN unblock PUBG in Korea?

If you’re interested in playing PUBG with a free VPN, we’d suggest not using one. Free VPNs have several shortcomings that could put you at risk online. For starters, free VPN providers usually operate servers with IP addresses that have been blacklisted. This usually occurs because free VPNs don’t operate as many servers as paid VPNs do. So, you may find it difficult to unblock PUBG content in Korea with a free VPN.

Furthermore, free VPNs usually have bandwidth and speed limits. So, even if you can unblock PUBG with a free VPN, you could run out of data in the middle of the game and be kicked out of the room.

Will a VPN increase my ping in Korea?

The chances of this happening depend on the VPN you’re using. The VPNs on our list are the fastest available, and they have low latency. Also, you’re more likely to experience faster internet connections if you connect to a server close to your location.

Conclusion

Censorship and internet restrictions are a part of the technological world that we live in today. Sadly, this has also affected games, leaving many players unable to enjoy some of the best offerings. However, lovers of the famous PUBG battle royale game don’t have to live by this restriction. With a VPN, you can break free and play the game you love — anytime and anywhere.