Trying to watch US Netflix in South Korea? We reveal how to access American Netflix abroad with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) plus, how to keep yourself safe online when you travel.

When you travel overseas, you’ll find that you can no longer access your regular Netflix library from home. Instead, you’ll be taken to the library for the country you’re in. For example, going to South Korea from the US means American Netflix becomes region-locked. The reason for this is that Netflix content is subject to copyright. Netflix doesn’t hold exclusive rights for all titles, which is why content varies by country and becomes geo-restricted.

The trouble is that you may be traveling to South Korea from the US for a vacation and can no longer stream your favorite TV shows. This is where a VPN comes in. A VPN is a service that, when you connect to a server, encrypts your internet traffic. It also changes your IP address so it looks like you’re browsing from another location. This lets you access American Netflix like you would back home, even if you’re in South Korea.

How to watch American Netflix in South Korea with a VPN

The good news is that it couldn’t be simpler to use a VPN to watch American Netflix in South Korea. All of the VPNs recommended in this post are beginner-friendly and offer 24/7 support. To make things even easier, we’ve provided a set of step-by-step setup instructions.

Here’s how to watch Netflix US in South Korea:

  • Start by signing up with a VPN that works with Netflix (such as those listed in this post). As our reviews indicate, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • You can now download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. In fact, you can download the VPN on multiple devices simultaneously.
  • Log in to the newly-downloaded VPN app and connect to a server in the US. You’ll then have a US IP address, allowing you to access American Netflix in South Korea.
  • Go to Netflix. You should now find yourself on the US version. Sign in or sign up as necessary before selecting the content you want to watch.
  • Streaming error? Redirected to Netflix South Korea? You should clear your browser’s cookies. If this fails, it’s worth connecting to a different server in case your current IP address is on Netflix’s blacklist. Otherwise, your VPN’s support may be able to provide further assistance and advise you as to which server works best with Netflix.

You may be wondering how we came up with our list of the best VPNs for watching American Netflix in South Korea. We test many different VPNs and only select those that offer the following (we go into more detail on our testing process later):

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

 

  • US servers that successfully access American Netflix
  • Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming lag-free
  • High level of security with encryption and a kill switch
  • No-logs policy so you can stay anonymous online
  • Live chat and email support available 24 hours a day
  • Option to connect at least five devices simultaneously

We’ll cover each of the best VPNs for watching American Netflix in South Korea further below. First, here’s a short summary of each in case you’re in a hurry to get started:

Best VPNs to watch American Netflix in South Korea

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching American Netflix from South Korea:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

access American netflixTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

There may be times when you wish to share files or increase your level of protection. In these cases, NordVPN offers specialty P2P and Double VPN servers. A subscription also includes access to 24/7 support as well as the ability to connect six devices at the same time. NordVPN ticks every box when it comes to security as well. The no-logs service provides 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch.

BEST VPN FOR AMERICAN NETFLIX:NordVPN is our top recommendation. Stream American Netflix in South Korea. Fast connections and unlimited bandwidth as well as specialty P2P servers. No-logs service with 24/7 support. A 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try NordVPN risk-free.

Pros:

  • Consistently works with Netflix US (and multiple Netflix libraries)
  • Some 2,000 US servers and more than 5,000 worldwide
  • High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth for streaming lag-free
  • Specialty P2P, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN servers
  • Live chat and email support available 24 hours a day
  • Secure with high-end encryption and a kill-switch feature

Cons:

  • Suffered a data breach in 2018

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

access american netflixTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark servers in the US cover some two dozen cities, providing plenty of choice when it comes to accessing American Netflix. Overall, its network consists of over 3,000 servers so you can visit a wide range of geo-blocked websites and services from South Korea. As one of the fastest VPNs you can use (an average North America connection speed of 317 Mbps), it’s ideal for streaming. Surfshark can also be used on as many devices as you like at once.

With a Surfshark subscription, you’ll have no shortage of security features to make your streaming experience safer. This starts with 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch. It also operates a strict no-logs policy for your privacy while Double VPN servers encrypt your data twice. In August 2021, this VPN launched Surfshark One, a suite of cybersecurity tools. This includes an antivirus for Windows and Android.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark is a fast and reliable choice for use with Netflix US. Over 3,000 servers globally and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Highly secure with encryption and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Offers servers in two dozen US cities

  • Fast speeds for streaming Netflix US from South Korea

  • Connect as many devices as you like simultaneously

  • Double VPN servers encrypt your data twice for extra security

  • 24-hour support is available via live chat and email

  • Switching servers is sometimes a little slow

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a reliable choice for streaming American Netflix from South Korea. In fact, it works well with most geo-restricted content you’re likely to come across. That’s because its server network covers 94 countries worldwide. Combine this with its fast server speeds (381 Mbps average connection speed in North America) and unlimited bandwidth and you’ve got a VPN that can be used for browsing, streaming, and torrenting.

One area in which ExpressVPN particularly stands out is its customer support. Available 24/7 via live chat and email, you can expect fast and knowledgeable replies. This VPN’s apps are also very well designed, making them beginner friendly. You can use them to connect five devices at the same time. All internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while a kill switch and DNS leak protection provide further safeguarding.

SERVERS IN 94 COUNTRIES:ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries including the US and South Korea. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth. Keeps you safe online with encryption and a kill switch. Excellent support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Server network covers some 94 countries including the US

  • Fast, unthrottled connections for streaming without lag

  • Beginner-friendly apps as well as 24/7 live chat and email support

  • Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified

  • Secure all internet traffic with the highest level of encryption

  • Slightly more expensive than the other VPNs listed

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

access American netflixTested Jan 2023

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers the largest server network of any of the best VPNs for watching American Netflix. There are some 7,000+ servers located across 90 countries including the US and South Korea. Furthermore, the high-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth allow for streaming that is lag and buffer-free. Once you’re signed up with CyberGhost, you’ll be able to connect as many as seven of your devices simultaneously.

Not only is CyberGhost’s streaming performance very strong, it’s also one of the safest VPNs you can use. Security features of course include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic kill switch. More recently, this no-logs VPN service has even introduced its own password manager. Indeed, a Windows security suite (complete with antivirus) has also been released. If you need any help, 24/7 support is at hand.

VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has more than 7,000 servers globally. Lots of US servers for watching American Netflix from South Korea. Connect seven devices at the same time. Strict no-logs policy and its own password manager. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Huge network of over 7,000 servers across 90 countries

  • Unlimited bandwidth for easy streaming of American Netflix

  • Can be used on up to seven of your devices at once

  • Lots of security additions including a password manager

  • Strict no-logs policy serves to protect your privacy

  • One of many VPNs that doesn’t work in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has proven itself the fastest VPN for watching American Netflix. This follows its implementation of the WireGuard protocol in September 2021. Whether you’re at home in the US, in South Korea, or traveling elsewhere, you should be able to stream in 4K without interruption. IPVanish operates out of the US and, in fact, over half of its servers (1,200+ across nearly 20 US cities) are located within the country.

It’s also worth knowing that this VPN is highly suitable for sharing with other household members because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. IPVanish is very secure and offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks. Interestingly, it owns and operates all of its own servers, reducing the chances of any unwanted interference from third parties. This VPN’s support is available 24/7 via live chat and email.

FASTEST VPN:IPVanish offers the fastest speeds for lag-free streaming of Netflix US. More than 1,200 US servers. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Secures your data with high-end encryption and has a zero-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fastest VPN for streaming American Netflix

  • Some 1,200 servers in the US in nearly 20 cities

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections per account

  • Encryption and a zero-logs policy lets you stream anonymously

  • Headquartered in the US which is a Five Eyes member

  • Email support is fairly slow compared to other VPNs tested

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

You can have up to five simultaneous connections with Hotspot Shield while you’ll also have full access to live chat and email support (available 24 hours a day). It includes all of the essential security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. However, there are plenty of extras that offer added value to your Hotspot Shield subscription. For example, there’s a password manager as well as a spam call blocker.

  • Some past privacy concerns
  • No option to pay anonymously in Bitcoin

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

7. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

This VPN’s desktop and mobile apps include simple and advanced menus for VPN novices and power users alike. While there’s live chat support, the email support of PrivateVPN is particularly fast compared to most VPNs (you can typically expect a reply within the hour). Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PrivateVPN also owns its servers and has a strict no-logs policy to further safeguard your identity.

  • Reliable option for streaming Netflix US, Disney+, and more

  • High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth available

  • Particularly easy to use with live chat support and free remote help

  • Strict no-logs policy so only you know what you’re doing online

  • Smaller network of just 200 servers

  • Live chat isn’t available 24 hours a day

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for watching American Netflix in South Korea

Not every VPN is suitable for watching American Netflix in South Korea. Some fail to access the streaming service while others may throttle your bandwidth or leak your data. Our methodology involves taking various factors into account when deciding which VPNs work best.

  • Servers in the US: The VPNs found in this post have server networks covering dozens of countries. This of course includes the US (some have servers in as many as two dozen US cities). This makes it that much easier to get a US IP address that works well with American Netflix.
  • Speed: Some VPNs have too many users on their limited number of servers. The slow speeds can lead to low resolution streams as well as lag and buffering. You may even find the VPN you use engages in bandwidth throttling. This is not the case for the fastest VPNs found here, all of which offer unlimited bandwidth.
  • Access websites: Netflix is particularly hard to access. However, there are plenty of other geo-restricted websites and services. We’ve tested VPNs against other streaming services such as Disney+, news sites, and online banking accounts. That way, we know which ones consistently navigate restrictions.
  • Security: There are a number of key security features that a VPN must have to keep you safe online. This includes encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. However, many of the best VPNs for streaming American Netflix in South Korea go further than this with specialty Double VPN servers, password managers, and more.
  • Privacy: Privacy should go hand-in-hand with security and this means a strict no-logs policy. Unfortunately, some VPNs do keep identifying logs of users that may compromise your online anonymity. We’ve looked at more than 140 VPN logging policies in order to identify those which safeguard your identity
  • Ease of use: Just because a VPN has fast servers and strong security, doesn’t mean it should be any less easy to use. With the VPNs in this post, expect beginner-friendly apps and extra resources such as setup guides and troubleshooting sections. All of them also include live chat and email support.
  • Value for money: It may seem like we’re asking for a lot with all of the above but there are VPNs (such as those listed) that tick every box. Better still, they all offer value for money with the chance to save significantly if you subscribe for a longer term. To save even more, be sure to use one of our VPN discount coupons.

Each VPN we review is subject to our rigorous VPN testing methodology. This involves hands-on testing in multiple areas such as speed and security, allowing us to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Another factor to consider is the lack of security provided by many VPNs. It’s not uncommon for a free VPN to fail to encrypt your data or leave you exposed to data leaks. UFO VPN offers a free plan and was found to be keeping detailed logs in plain text without any password protection. Indeed, some VPNs deliberately log your data and sell this to third parties. To avoid this, you should stick with a quality paid VPN with a strict no-logs policy.

TV shows

  • 30 Rock

  • Are You Afraid of the Dark?

  • Call the Midwife

  • Charmed

  • Doctor Foster

  • Friday Night Lights

  • Ink Master

  • Saved by the Bell

  • The Last O.G.

  • The Mole

Movies

  • Ali

  • Dances with Wolves

  • Howard’s End

  • Identity

  • Mars Attacks!

  • Rain Man

  • Rugrats in Paris: The Movie

  • Team America: World Police

  • Titanic

  • Underworld