How to watch Netflix US in South Korea

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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):

• 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:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for American Netflix. 2,000 US servers for streaming Netflix US in South Korea. Fast with specialty servers, 24/7 support, and a strict no-logs policy.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. High-speed servers for streaming American Netflix lag-free. Unlimited simultaneous connections and Double VPN servers for extra security.
3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries, the US and South Korea included. Unlimited bandwidth and excellent, user-friendly apps. Has 24/7 support, secure with encryption.
4. CyberGhost: 7,000+ servers in 90 countries. Works well with Netflix US. Can be used on seven devices at once. Strict no-logs VPN with password manager included.
5. IPVanish: Fastest VPN for streaming American Netflix. Secure all of your devices at once. Security includes encryption and a zero-logs policy. Has 24/7 live chat support.
6. Hotspot Shield: Network covers 80 countries. Stream American Netflix from South Korea lag and buffer-free. 24/7 support and includes access to a password manager.
7. PrivateVPN: Reliable option for Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more. Easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps. No-logs policy, encryption, and option to pay in Bitcoin.

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

Apr 2024 access American netflixTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top choice for watching American Netflix in South Korea. This VPN has an excellent track record, not only with Netflix US but many Netflix libraries worldwide. It also lets you access the likes of Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. Our speed tests found that NordVPN’s US servers have an average connection speed of 460 Mbps. This is thanks to the April 2020 introduction of its NordLynx protocol which allows for lag-free 4K streaming.

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.

Get a US IP address for watching American Netflix by using a NordVPN app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. Alternatively, you can use a Chrome or Firefox browser extension. For use with wireless routers, manual setup is required.

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.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

access american netflixTested Apr 2024

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.

You’ll find Surfshark apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). They’re also available for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV while browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. You can also manually set up this VPN with your router.

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.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

access american netflixTested Apr 2024

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.

Connect to a US server by downloading an ExpressVPN app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also available. This VPN is router-friendly with custom firmware and auto-update feature.

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.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

access American netflixTested Apr 2024

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.

CyberGhost’s apps can be found for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions are available to download for Chrome and Firefox. To use CyberGhost with your wi-fi router, you’ll need to set this up manually.

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.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

access american netflixTested Apr 2024

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.

To use IPVanish servers, you’ll need to access an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup instructions allow you to configure this VPN with Linux or your wireless router, if compatible.

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.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. Hotspot Shield

access American netflixTested Apr 2024

Hotspot Shield can be used to stream American Netflix as well as Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Servers in 80 countries including the US and South Korea allow for easy accessing of region-locked websites and services. The server speeds are fast enough for streaming as well as torrenting. Indeed, you won’t have any limits as to what you can or can’t do online because unlimited bandwidth is available.

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.

Hotspot Shield apps are offered for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. While a Chrome browser extension is also available, use with your home wifi router means manual setup is necessary.

SECURITY EXTRAS:Hotspot Shield servers are available in 80 countries. It lets you access Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu from South Korea. Includes 24/7 support and lots of extra security features such as a spam call blocker. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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7. PrivateVPN

access american netflixTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN is one of the better VPNs on the market for streaming. This is in large part thanks to how well it consistently works with the most popular streaming services such as Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO. A VPN with servers in over 60 countries, it’s well placed to help you access geo-restricted content while traveling abroad. You can expect fast server speeds while you also won’t have to contend with any connection throttling.

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.

Stream American Netflix in South Korea by connecting to a PrivateVPN server. Apps are offered for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Setup guides are available for use with Linux and select wireless routers.

STREAMING-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN consistently works with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more. High-speed, unthrottled servers and easy-to-use apps for beginners. Fast email support. No-logs VPN which accepts payment in Bitcoin. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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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.

VPNs for American Netflix: FAQs