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Best Free VPN for Korea [Tested and Tried Korean VPN in 2022]

Last updated: November 12, 2023

Kyle Morrow

Kyle Morrow is a renowned author exploring the complex world of VPNs and their impact on global landscapes. He is a dedicated researcher deciphering digital boundaries, ensuring online privacy, and advocating for an open internet.

South Korea is much more lenient towards its citizens in terms of internet freedom and heavy restrictions as compared to the neighboring countries.

However, if you’re a South Korean expat, or if you’re simply awed by the South Korean cinema, you’ll need a VPN to access the content.

That’s because of licensing issues, you cannot access the South Korean libraries on streaming platforms or watch K-Pop and K-Drama content if your IP address is foreign.

A VPN changes your IP address and makes it look like you’re accessing the internet from a different country. This allows you to unblock geo-restricted content and access websites and apps that would otherwise be unavailable to you.

But you have to keep in mind that reputable VPNs come with a subscription price. However, there are options for free VPN Korea.

Whether you’re looking for a free VPN for Netflix Korea or a Korean VPN for PUBG, you’ll find lots of options.

But the main question is, are there any good free VPNs for Korea? Because you never know if the free VPN you choose to trust with your personal data might end up stealing that information and selling it to third parties.

That’s why we have compiled a list of the best free VPN for Korea that are guaranteed to be safe. However, there can be limitations on bandwidth or security features that only come with a premium VPN.

The premium provider that we recommend to our users is ExpressVPN. It provides blazing fast speeds, strong security, handy features, and the network is rich in servers including Korean servers which are optimized for all major streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, and more.

The service is not totally free but if you can hack your way into the money-back offer then you can use it free for 30 days. The provider also offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS for testing before committing to a premium plan.

Now let’s get to know more about the best free Korean VPNs without any further ado.

Best Free VPN for Korea in 2022: Quick Analysis

1. ProtonVPN: Unlimited Bandwidth with the Free Version.
2. Hide.me: 10GB Data Cap/month with the Free Version.
3. Trust.Zone: 1GB Data Cap with the 3-day Free Trial.
4. TunnelBear: 500MB Data Cap/month with the Free Version.
5. Hotspot Shield: Unlimited Bandwidth with the Free Version.

Redirect here for the Detailed Analysis!

How to Setup a Free VPN Korea: Easy Steps

What are the Best Free VPNs for Korea in 2022: Detailed Analysis

1. ProtonVPN for Korea

Specifications of ProtonVPN

• Free Version Available
• No Limit on Bandwidth
• Trustpilot Rating: 2.5
• 3 Server Locations
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Servers Optimized for P2P
• Multilogins on 1 Device

The free version of ProtonVPN has no limits on bandwidth so you can use the VPN as much as you can with no care for data caps.

The provider lets you access 3 server locations including the Netherlands, US, and Japan while you’re residing in Korea.

The encryption methodology of ProtonVPN works on the AES 256-bit system and the protocols available are OpenVPN and IKEv2.

ProtonVPN offers decent speed and upon testing, we achieved an average speed of 26 Mbps. The service couldn’t unblock Netflix or other streaming platforms with the free version. However, the premium version can unblock BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix, and many more platforms.

You can have 1 connection at a time and the ProtonVPN app works with all operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

More features of ProtonVPN are DDoS Protection, Split Tunneling, Kill Switch, IP/DNS Leak Protection, Ad Blocking, and P2P Support.

2. Hide.me for Korea

Specifications of Hide.me

• Free Version Available
• 10GB/month Data Cap
• Trustpilot Rating: 4.9
• 5 Server Locations
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Servers Optimized for P2P
• Multilogins on 1 Device

Hide.me is a premium VPN but offers a freemium version with a 10GB/month data cap. It lets you access 5 server locations from Korea including the regions Canada, Netherlands, Germany, US East, and US West.

Hide.me falls out of the 14 Eyes Alliance because of its registration in the Malaysian jurisdiction.

Encrypting your data with the market standard AES 256-bit method, Hide.me lets you connect to advanced protocols like SSTP, IKEv2, SoftEther, and OpenVPN.

The Hide.me speed test resulted in an average speed of 18 Mbps. We tried to unblock major streaming platforms with the free version, but couldn’t succeed. The premium version however unblocked platforms including Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

You can have 1 connection at a time and the service is compatible with operating systems including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

If you’re planning to get a subscription plan then Hide.me offers a 30-day money-back guarantee offer which means you can test the premium version risk-free.

More features that come with Hide.me VPN are Stealth Guard, DNS Protection, VPN Kill Switch, and IPv6 Leak Protection.

3. Trust.Zone for Korea

Specifications of Trust.Zone

• 3-Day Free Trial
• 1GB Data Cap
• Trustpilot Rating: 3.6
• 150 Server Locations
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Servers Optimized for P2P
• Multilogins on 1 Device

Trust.Zone offers a 3-day free trial with a 1GB data cap. The service lets you access 150 server locations with fast speeds.

Upon testing, we achieved an average speed of 47 Mbps but the service couldn’t unblock any streaming platforms. However, torrenting is allowed on all servers of Trust.Zone.

Trust.Zone encrypts your traffic with the AES 256-bit method and the protocols available are IKEv2/IPSec, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec.

The provider offers support for all widely-used operating systems including Windows, iOS, Linux, Mac, and Android. You can have 1 connection at a time with the free version but the limit can extend if you sign up for a premium plan.

More features of Trust.Zone includes a VPN Kill Switch and DNS Protection.

4. TunnelBear for Korea

Specifications of TunnelBear

• Free Version Available
• 500MB/month Data Cap
• Trustpilot Rating: 2.9
• 2500+ Servers in 45+ Locations
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Multilogins on 5 Devices

TunnelBear VPN offers a free version that has a data cap of 500MB per month. However, you can extend it up 1 GB if you tweet about the company.

With 2500+ servers in 45+ locations, you’ll be able to access any geo-blocked website by just connecting to another region where the content is available.

TunnelBear uses the AES 256-bit system to encrypt your traffic and the protocols you can use are IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN. Also, you will be covered with a strict no-logs policy so there will be no logs or tracks.

The TunnelBear speed test resulted in an average speed of 25 Mbps and we were able to unblock US Netflix and HBO Max with the TunnelBear free version.

The provider has support for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. On top of that, you can connect 5 devices at the same time.

More features of TunnelBear include a VPN Kill Switch, DNS/IP Leak Protection, Split Tunneling, and Ad Blocking.

5. Hotspot Shield for Korea

Specifications of Hotspot Shield

• Free Version Available
• Unlimited Bandwidth
• Trustpilot Rating: 4.7
• 150+ Servers in 1 Location
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
• Multilogins on 1 Device

Hotspot Shield offers a free version with unlimited bandwidth. You can connect 1 device at a time and the provider has support for all widely-used operating systems including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

The service encrypts your traffic with the AES 256-bit method and the protocols you can connect to is IKEv2/IPSec.

Hotspot Shield lets you have access to 150+ servers, all in 1 location, which is the US. This means you can bypass geo-restrictions on US content while residing in Korea.

Upon testing Hotspot Shield, the service achieved an average speed of 76 Mbps but we couldn’t unblock US Netflix. However, the premium version can unblock streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

The security features of Hotspot Shield include a VPN Kill Switch, Ad Blocking, IP/DNS/WebRTC Leak Protection, and Split Tunneling.

How can I use Korean VPN Servers?

You can easily install a VPN on your computer or handheld device and connect to a server in Korea.

For smartphones like Android or iPhone, you can install the app from their respective app stores.

For PCs and Macs, you need to download the file and install it on your computer to run it.

Once launched, you can connect to a Korean VPN server. This will give you a Korean IP address and enable you to access geo-blocked content as if you were in the country.

VPN providers also offer handy security features. Features may depend on the provider, but most of them include

• military-grade encryption, that encrypts your traffic with the unbreakable AES 256-bit method.
• A kill switch, which halts all traffic if the VPN connection is lost, ensuring your privacy is protected at all times.
• And choice for protocols, which allows you to choose the level of security you need. The most advanced protocols offered by one of the top-tier providers are OpenVPN or IKEv2.

How can I select the best free VPN for Korea in 2022?

There are many factors you need to consider when selecting the best free VPN for Korea. The most important ones include:

• Number of Servers: The more server locations a VPN has, the better. This gives you more options to connect to, ensuring you can always find a server that meets your needs and unlock the content of your choice.
• Security and Privacy: A good VPN will have military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. This ensures your private information and identity are protected at all times.
• Speed: A fast connection is essential for streaming video content. Make sure to select a provider that offers high speeds.
• Enough Monthly Bandwidth: Some providers offer unlimited bandwidth, while others have a data cap. If you plan on streaming content or downloading large files, make sure to select a provider with enough bandwidth for your needs.
• Simultaneous Connections: Some providers allow you to connect multiple devices at the same time. This is handy if you have a family or want to use your VPN on multiple devices.
• Compatibility: Make sure to select a provider that offers apps for your devices.

What are the Risks of Using Free VPN Korea?

There are a few risks you should be aware of when using free VPNs. The most important ones include:

1. Free VPNs are unsafe: Many free VPNs lack the necessary security features to protect your data. This puts you at risk of being hacked or having your data leaked.
2. Malware: Some free VPNs contain malware that can infect your devices. This can lead to data loss or even identity theft.
3. Annoying ads: Many free VPNs display annoying ads that can interfere with your browsing experience.
4. Slow speeds: Videos can often buffer when using a free VPN due to the slow speeds. Downloading files may take a lifetime.
5. Paid VPNs are better: Paid VPNs offer better security, more features, and faster speeds. They are definitely worth the investment.
6. We recommend ExpressVPN: If you’re looking for a VPN provider that offers all the features we’ve mentioned above, ExpressVPN is a great option. They have a large network of servers in 94 countries, including Korea. Their security is top-notch, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. They also offer fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. And their apps are compatible with most devices.

Redirect here to know more about ExpressVPN!

What are the Top Risk-Free VPNs for Korea in 2022

1. ExpressVPN for Korea

Specifications of ExpressVPN

• 7-Day Free Trial & 30-Day Refund Policy
• Unlimited Bandwidth
• Trustpilot Rating: 4.7
• 3000+ Servers in 94+ Countries
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS
• P2P Support
• Multilogins on 5 Devices

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Korea, it offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. Other than that, you can also take advantage of its money-back offer to use it free for 30 days.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands which is a privacy-friendly region, away from the 14 Eyes Alliance group.

It offers a total count of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries including optimized servers for Korea from which you can stream in 4K on major platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more.

Is ExpressVPN Safe in USA? Yes,ExpressVPN encrypts user traffic with the military-grade AES 256-bit method and it keeps your identity secure with advanced protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Lightway, which is ExpressVPN’s custom protocol.

Upon testing ExpressVPN, we achieved an average speed of 93 Mbps and we could easily carry out our streaming, gaming, and daily browsing activities with a hassle-free experience.

The provider has support for widely-used operating systems including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Also, you can easily configure ExpressVPN router with the dedicated router app it offers.

Other ExpressVPN features are Network Lock, DNS/IP/WebRTC Leak Protection, Strict No-Logs Policy, Split Tunneling, and MediaStreamer.

ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support. If you ever get in trouble regarding any technicalities, just visit the official website and contact customer care by clicking on the support icon in the corner.

2. NordVPN for Korea

Specifications of NordVPN

• 7-Day Free Trial & 30-Day Refund Policy
• Unlimited Bandwidth
• Trustpilot Rating: 4.4
• 6000 Servers in 61 Countries
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS
• P2P Support
• Multilogins on 6 Devices

The second best VPN for Korea, NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS. It also offers a money-back guarantee and you can easily hack it to use it free for 30 days.

NordVPN is based in Panama and the region has no data retention laws. So no government can have their hands on your data, ever. Also, the service has a strict no-logs policy which has been audited by PwC. This means none of your traffic is stored.

NordVPN has large fleet of 6000 servers in 61 countries including servers in Korea which are optimized for gaming, streaming, and day-to-day browsing.

The service’s encryption method is the AES 256-bit system and the protocols it offers are OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx, which is NordVPN’s custom protocol based on the technology of WireGuard.

Upon testing NordVPN, we achieved an average speed of 92 Mbps and we could easily unblock popular streaming platforms including HBO Max, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.

NordVPN has support for all operating systems including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. And with 6 simultaneous connections, you can cover all your devices with a single plan.

Other features of NordVPN include a VPN Kill Switch, Smart DNS, Double VPN, CyberSec, IP/DNS/WebRTC Leak Protection, Onion over VPN, and Split Tunneling.

For queries and technical problems, you can contact NordVPN any time of the day using the live chat it offers on the official website.

3. Surfshark for Korea

Specifications of Surfshark

• 7-Day Free Trial & 30-Day Refund Policy
• Unlimited Bandwidth
• Trustpilot Rating: 4.4
• 3200 Servers in 100 Countries
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS
• P2P Support
• Multilogins on Unlimited Devices

Surfshark is the featured-pack Korea VPN with a budget-friendly price tag. It offers a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS devices. You can also follow this hack to use it free for 30 days by taking advantage of the money-back guarantee offer.

Surfshark is also based in the British Virgin Islands which means your data is safe as the region falls out of the jurisdiction of the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes.

With 3200 servers in 100 countries including Korean servers, you can access foreign or Korean content with ease.

The service encrypts your traffic with the military standard encryption method AES 256-bit system and the protocols you can use with Surfshark are OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard.

Upon testing Surfshark, we achieved an average speed of 88 Mbps and were able to unblock all popular streaming platforms including Hulu, Netflix, Surfshark BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and watch our favorite movies in 4K.

The best part of all: Surfshark has no limits on simultaneous connections! This means you can connect as many devices as you want with a single plan and all those connections can work at the same time.

Surfshark has support for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. The apps are user-friendly and you get access to handy features like CleanWeb, Bypasser, Kill Switch, Smart DNS, Split Tunneling, and, DNS/IP/WebRTC Leak Protection.

The customer support team of Surfshark works 24/7 via live chat. Whatever problems you face, just visit the official website and click on the support icon to begin your chat with a human representative of Surfshark VPN.

Free VPN Korea: FAQs

Is using a free VPN legal in South Korea?

Despite having heavy surveillance on the online activities of its citizens, South Korea has no rules that say the use of VPNs is illegal.

So, a VPN is legal in South Korea. However, using a VPN to commit illegal activities is not. It will of course be difficult to track you but if you are caught, the penalties will be harsh.

How can I get free Korean VPN?

There are many free VPN providers that offer servers in Korea. All you need to do is install the app on your device, launch it, and connect to a Korean server.

However, we do not recommend using a free VPN as they lack the necessary security features to protect your data. They also have slow speeds and often display annoying ads.

Which free VPN has Korean server?

ExpressVPN has a total count of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries including 2 servers in Korea.

It has a 7-day free trial that needs registration but you can also sign up for a premium plan and get a refund by taking advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee offer.

Does NordVPN have South Korea?

NordVPN is a top-tier provider and it’s one of our top picks for South Korea VPN. It has a network of 6000 servers in 61 countries including 10 servers in South Korea.

Does ExpressVPN have Korea?

ExpressVPN has a wide network coverage with 94+ countries. You can connect to any of these VPN servers while residing in South Korea or anywhere else in the world.

Which VPN works for Netflix Korea?

ExpressVPN is excellent for streaming high-quality content and is the best VPN for accessing Netflix Korea. It will deliver you high speeds and a network of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries from which you can unblock your favorite titles.

Which South Korean shows can I watch with a free VPN?

It depends on your VPN and which streaming sites it is able to unblock. Although some of the South Korean shows you can watch are Parasite, Train to Busan, Okja, Forgotten, and Kingdom.

Free VPN Korea: Wrapping Up

A VPN is a great tool that allows you to access the internet freely and securely. It also allows you to unblock geo-restricted content, such as South Korean shows.

However, we do not recommend using a free VPN as they lack the necessary security features to protect your data. They also have slow speeds and often display annoying ads.

We rank ExpressVPN as our top free VPN Korea considering the 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee it offers. NordVPN is a close second which also provides the same value.

Their security is top-notch, with military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. They also offer fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth.