How to Watch Korean Netflix in the US in 2024

Samuel Gitt Last updated: May 1, 2024 Read time: 9 minutes Disclosure

Using a VPN is the most reliable way to watch Korean Netflix from abroad. This article shows how to do it and lists the top 3 VPNs that do the job.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A premium VPN is the fastest and most efficient way to watch Korean Netflix in the US. You will only need to connect to a server in Korea and access the Netflix content you want. However, you should avoid free VPNs to avoid getting the Netflix proxy error message.

Korean Netflix has a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows to keep you entertained. However, it is unavailable in the US or other countries abroad because of geo-restrictions.

Fortunately, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to alter your Netflix region. This will trick Netflix that you are within Korea, allowing you to enjoy your favorite home content in the US or anywhere worldwide.

This guide will show you how to stream Netflix Korea in the US, the top content on Netflix Korea, and much more.

How to watch Korean Netflix in the US

  1. Sign up for a reliable VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to any server in Korea.
  3. Clear your cookies and cache.
  4. Create a Netflix account if you haven’t already.
  5. Go ahead and start enjoying your favorite content.

The best VPNs to watch Korean Netflix

Below is our compilation of the best VPNs to unblock the Korean Netflix library after thorough research and testing. We evaluated them based on the server network, speed, reliability, ease of use, and ability to unblock Netflix.

1. NordVPN 

NordVPN

Best VPN to watch Korean Netflix anywhere in the world without restrictions.

Pros
  • Unblocks Korean Netflix 
  • Big server collection 
  • Seamless user experience 
Cons
  • Glitches on some servers 

NordVPN is our top recommendation to watch Netflix Korea in the US. It has more than ten servers in South Korea and over 6,300 servers worldwide. So, besides unblocking Korean Netflix, you will also be able to access the platform’s libraries in other countries.

Almost all the servers offer great speed, enabling you to stream Korean Netflix smoothly. Also, it provides unlimited bandwidth and prevents ISP throttling.

Thankfully, the VPN is compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS. In addition, it allows you to use up to ten devices simultaneously or install it on your router to connect as many devices as you want.

NordVPN has reliable customer support. If your South Korean connection is unsuccessful, you can check for troubleshooting tips in the Help Center section of the website. Also, you can contact the customer care agents through email or the 24/7 live chat feature.

The VPN uses dependable security features to protect you from snooping actors like hackers, your ISP, or the government. For example, it has military-grade AES 256-bit encryption that is almost impossible to crack. Also, the effective kill switch will prevent data spillage by cutting off your traffic if the VPN connection drops. As a result, Netflix won’t know your location.


2. ExpressVPN 

ExpressVPN-new-features-block-logo-120-by-120-now

Fastest VPN and has stealth security for watching Korean Netflix outside Korea.

Pros
  • Multiple servers in South Korea
  • Compatible with numerous devices 
  • High-speed servers 
Cons
  • Expensive plans 

ExpressVPN is another reliable VPN to unblock Korean Netflix in the US. It has over 3,000 active servers in 94 countries, including South Korea. Hence, you need to get a South Korean IP address to unblock geo-restricted content like Netflix

This is one of the fastest VPNs in the industry. We tested most of the servers, and they produce sufficient speed to stream Korean Netflix without buffering or lags annoyance. It also uses quality servers and offers unlimited bandwidth. 

ExpressVPN has apps for almost all devices, such as Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Linux, and multiple router brands. It also lets you have 8 simultaneous connections on a single subscription, which will come in handy if you stream Netflix on several devices. 

The VPN’s website offers many resources to help you with any issues. For example, it has set up tutorials, troubleshooting tips, account management instructions, and a knowledge hub. Also, you can contact the customer support agents through the 24/7 live chat or email

Regarding security, ExpressVPN will protect your data with reliable features like AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and TrustedServer technology. Moreover, the provider does not keep any logs


3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

PureVPN

Most cost-effective with large number of servers spread all over the world. Unblocking Korean Netflix is a cup of tea for it.

Pros
  • Massive server network 
  • Budget-friendly packages 
  • Multiple simultaneous connections 
Cons
  • Distant servers have slow speeds 

Last but not least, Private Internet Access (PIA) is our final recommendation to unblock South Korean Netflix content. It has the most extensive infrastructure in the industry, with more than 28,000 servers worldwide, including the Asia-Pacific region.

Most servers are pretty fast, enabling you to stream South Korean Netflix without issues. Also, like the other options above, the provider offers unlimited bandwidth. This means you won’t exhaust data even when streaming in high-definition.

The VPN has dedicated apps for almost all devices like macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows. Moreover, it allows you to connect ten devices simultaneously, which is ideal for a household with many devices.

Regarding your data security, PIA uses AES 256-bit encryption alongside perfect forward secrecy, kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. Also, although the provider is based in the US, it does not keep any identifiable logs.  


Best Korean Netflix VPNs comparison table 

NordVPN ExpressVPN Private Internet Access (PIA)
Average speed 112Mbps 104Mbps 96Mbps 
Network 5,667 servers 3,000 serves 28,000 servers 
Countries 59 9484
Other services unblockedAmazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, ITV, Hulu, Disney PlusHBO Max, Hotstar, Sling TV, ESPN, Fox Sports go YouTube Premium, Pluto TV, Sky Sports, Paramount+, Peacock TV, DAZN, NOW, 
The best deal (per month$3.09$8.92$2.03

Watch Netflix Korea without a VPN

Another way to stream the Korean version of Netflix is with a Domain Name System (DNS) app. Also known as Smart DNS, it combines a proxy server with DNS, enabling you to access geo-blocked content

However, a VPN is safer than a Smart DNS because it encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address. Nonetheless, if you still prefer a Smart DNS, ExpressVPN has a Smart DNS feature. 

Why is it impossible to watch Korean Netflix outside of Korea

Because of varied copyright laws, Netflix does not have permission to broadcast the same content globally. That is why almost every region has unique content that differs from the rest. For example, some content can be South Korean Netflix library but missing on the US Netflix. 

How does Netflix geo-block content?

The most common method to restrict content in specific regions is blocking IP addresses. See, your IP address reveals your location to the websites and streaming sites. Netflix will identify your location through your IP address to provide you with the local content.

So, your attempt will be unsuccessful if you try to access Netflix content in other regions. The company also uses alternative approaches to prevent you from accessing content elsewhere, including banning DNS unblockers and blocking VPN IP addresses. 

Using a free VPN to unblock Korean Netflix

There are many free VPN services, but we don’t recommend any of them to access Netflix in South Korea. Some are reliable, but they have issues that make them unsuitable for unblocking South Korean Netflix

The first significant issue is a few servers. Most VPNs have a few servers spread worldwide, and it is difficult to find a free VPN for Netflix that offers servers in South Korea. This will be problematic since you will need a server in Korea to get a South Korean IP address.

Streaming online content, especially in high-definition, is a data-intensive activity. However, most free VPNs have data caps, which will be a considerable impediment. Some, like Hola VPN, will share your bandwidth with other users. 

Because of the few servers available, most free VPNs are usually congested. This makes connections extremely slow, which is not good for streaming. 

That is why we recommend you pay for a premium VPN because of its benefits. Firstly, the ones recommended here have multiple servers in South Korea and many others worldwide. This will enable you to unblock Korean Netflix Seamlessly and access content in other countries as well. Moreover, they offer unlimited data, allowing you to watch content in high definition without running out of data. 

Netflix proxy error still appears even when using a VPN 

Try the following tips to overcome the Netflix proxy error 

  1. Request your VPN’s customer support to show you the best server to unblock South Korean content. Thankfully, our recommendations above offer a live chat feature, so you will get a prompt response. 
  2. Disconnect and reconnect to the same server. Sometimes you can get a different server that Netflix hasn’t blocked. 
  3. Switch to a different server in the same region. Again, you might end up with a server that isn’t blacklisted. 
  4. Disable location settings on your browser
  5. Clear your temporary files, cache, and cookies 

Korean Netflix Cost

South Korean Netflix plans are as follows

Package Cost (KRW)Cost (USD)
Basic 9,5008.49 
Standard 12,00010.73 
Premium 14,50012.97

Refund for a free trial by premium providers 

The three VPN services we have recommended above offer generous refund policies. You can capitalize on them if you are on a budget and want to use a VPN for a short while. However, you will have to pay upfront, use the VPN for up to 30 days and ask for a refund. This means you will have used the VPN for free. 

Korean Netflix best show list

Grab your popcorn and beige to the best shows on Korean Netflix. 

  1. Squid Game 
  2. Narcos Saints
  3. Tomorrow
  4. Little women 
  5. Business proposal 
  6. Ghost Doctor 
  7. A Model Family 
  8. Alchemy of Souls 
  9. All Of Us Are Dead 
  10. Juvenile justice 

Best Korean Netflix movies 

Here are some of the movies worth watching on Korean Netflix 

  1. Parasite 
  2. Yaksha: Ruthless Operation 
  3. Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror 
  4. Seoul Vibe 
  5. Ode to My Father 
  6. Extreme Job 
  7. Love and Leashes 
  8. Sweet and Sour 
  9. The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure 
  10. Midnight 

Korean Netflix Secret codes 

While Netflix has multiple subgenres of movies and TV shows, they are difficult to access. Since Netflix displays recommendations based on your previously watched content, you need to know the secret codes to find something different to watch. They include

SubcategoryNumber of choices
Classic Movies 31574
Anime 7424
Comedies 6548
Children & Family Movies 783
Independent Movies 7077
Foreign Movies7462
Dramas 5763
Gay & Lesbian Movies 5977
Cult Movies 7627
Faith & Spirituality 26835
Horror Movies 8711
Music 1701
Romantic Movies 8883
Thrillers 8933
Sports Movies 4370
TV Shows 83
Sci-Fi Fantasy 1492

Bottom line 

Watching Korean Netflix in the US or elsewhere worldwide is very easy. You only need to install a reliable VPN to change your location and get a Korean-specific IP address. This will trick Netflix into thinking you are in Korea, allowing you to watch your favorite content from anywhere. We recommend ExpressVPN to unblock Korean Netflix restrictions as it has multiple servers in South Korea and offers fast speed for smooth streaming. 

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About the Author

Due to his tendency to research extensively, Samuel Gitt is the go-to person to tell you what's happening in streaming town. And so he does. A serial binge-watcher with an opinionated attitude toward web freedom for all; you name it, he's got it.

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