Table of Contents
- What is a VPN for North Korea?
- 9 Best VPN for North Korea in 2026
- 1. ExpressVPN - Overall Best VPN for North Korea
- 2. NordVPN - Best VPN for North Korea
- 3. SurfShark - Affordable VPN for North Korea
- 4. ProtonVPN - Fast and Secure VPN for North Korea
- 5. CyberGhost - User-Friendly VPN for North Korea
- 6. IvacyVPN - Ultimate Safe Browsing VPN for North Korea
- 7. PrivateInternetAccess - Privacy-Focused VPN for North Korea
- 8. IPVanish - High-Speed VPN for North Korea
- 9. Turbo VPN - Free to Start VPN for North Korea
- What to Look for When Choosing the Best VPN for North Korea 2026
- How do I set up a VPN for North Korea ?
- FAQ’s
- Conclusion
Top 9 Best VPN for North Korea 2026,Feb: Secure, Reliable & Fast
North Korea is one of the most dangerous places on earth to live in. You can’t even walk there freely, let alone think about streaming an American web series on Netflix with a VPN.
The government keeps a check on internet access that even sending a message to the outside world can feel like an impossible task. Foreign apps are blocked and the North Koreans have created their own closed network to prevent people from connecting with the rest of the globe. For anyone inside, it’s like being locked in a prison with no way out.
That’s where a reliable VPN comes in! While no VPN can magically place servers inside North Korea, there are trusted options that work through nearby locations, provide advanced security, and protect your identity so you can explore the internet without leaving a trace.
Students wanting to access international books or young people craving for watching American movies can use the best VPN for North Korea.
We’re gonna tell you about 100% reliable North Korean VPNs that make it possible to bypass restrictions and keep your online activities safe from the Kim Government.
What is a VPN for North Korea?
A VPN for North Korea is a special VPN that hides your real location and helps you access the global internet safely in one of the most restricted countries in the world.
In very easy words, it creates a private tunnel between your device and the websites you visit, making it harder for anyone to track or block you.
Think of it like a secret doorway to the internet.
Instead of directly connecting to a website, you first connect to a VPN server located outside North Korea. This server changes your IP address and allows you to browse the internet more freely while staying safe.
9 Best VPN for North Korea in 2026
Looking for the best VPN for North Korea in 2026, here are the top choices.
⏰ TL;DR:
1. ExpressVPN – Overall Best VPN for North Korea
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for North Korea
3. SurfShark – Affordable VPN for North Korea
4. ProtonVPN – Fast and Secure VPN for North Korea
5. CyberGhost – User-Friendly VPN for North Korea
6. IvacyVPN – Ultimate Safe Browsing VPN for North Korea
7. PrivateInternetAccess – Privacy-Focused VPN for North Korea
8. IPVanish – High-Speed VPN for North Korea
9. Turbo VPN – Free to Start VPN for North Korea
Just go through the details of each and every VPN provider listed below and carefully review their features and pricing scheme before installing it on your device.
1. ExpressVPN – Overall Best VPN for North Korea
The very 1st option that we have is ExpressVPN, a leading VPN service trusted by millions worldwide, known for its speed, security, and ease of use.
It offers servers in 105 countries, ultra-fast 10 Gbps connections and support for up to 14 devices under one subscription, it ensures seamless browsing, easy streaming with VPN and protection on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and browsers.
ExpressVPN offers Lightway protocol, TrustedServer technology, post-quantum protection, parental controls and an integrated zero-knowledge password manager. In highly restricted regions like North Korea, it provides advanced privacy tools for those seeking safer internet usage, though the legal risks of VPN use remain high. Its Threat Manager blocks malware and trackers, while post-quantum protection futureproofs your data against evolving cyber threats.
Key Features
- Lightway Protocol: It is its own protocol that delivers super-fast, stable, and battery-efficient connections. It’s designed for smoother streaming and browsing with zero lag.
- TrustedServer Technology: All the servers run on RAM-only mode, wiping data with every reboot. This ensures there’s never any stored logs of your online activity.
- Post-Quantum Protection: It is built to resist the next generation of cyber threats, including quantum-level hacking.
- Threat Manager: An in-built tool that automatically blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites. It quietly keeps you safe while you browse without any issue.
- Multi-Device Support: A single subscription protects up to 14 devices at once, from phones to smart TVs.
Pros and Cons
- Ultra-fast servers in 105 countries with 10Gbps speeds.
- Easy one-click setup across 14 devices.
- Advanced security with post-quantum protection & TrustedServer.
- 30-day money-back guarantee with 24/7 live support.
- Servers are only available outside North Korean border
Pricing
- $2.79 per month
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for North Korea
Next, we’ve NordVPN, one of the fastest & most secure VPN services, designed to give users safe and unrestricted access to the internet.
It provides military-grade encryption, protects against malware, and allows you to bypass censorship, making it excellent for activities like watching movies, keeping up with global news, or simply chatting with friends and family abroad.
For people in highly restrictive countries like North Korea, NordVPN ensures safer access to a more open and private internet. It offers 8,200+ servers across 165+ locations, plus it also guarantees speed and reliability. Users near North Korea can connect through nearby servers in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong to enjoy stable connections while avoiding surveillance.
Key Features
- Threat Protection Pro: It blocks ads, malware, phishing, and trackers in real time for seamless, secure browsing.
- Dark Web Monitor: It instantly alerts you if your personal data or credentials are leaked online.
- Post-Quantum Encryption: NordVPN offers Future-proof encryption that protects against even the next generation of cyberattacks.
- Passwordless Login (Passkeys): Just remove the use of passwords and enjoy safer, faster access across devices.
- 10-Device Protection: Use NordVPN on up to 10 devices simultaneously or cover your entire home via router setup.
Pros and Cons
- Massive server network (8,200+ servers in 165+ locations).
- Advanced security with post-quantum encryption.
- Easy-to-use apps for all devices, supporting up to 10 connections.
- Some advanced features may slightly reduce browsing speed.
Pricing
- $2.99 per month
3. SurfShark – Affordable VPN for North Korea
See! Surfshark happens to be one of the most trusted VPNs that makes your online space private and secure. It offers over 3200+ RAM-only servers across 100+ countries. It also ensures fast and safe browsing without leaving any trace of your presence.
You can easily install SurfShark and connect the VPN to unlimited devices (Desktop, Tablet, Laptops, ChromeBook, iPad and more) with just one account, making it good for families & friends using different gadgets.
SurfShark hides your IP and also offers dedicated IPs, strong VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2), and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, it blocks ads, trackers and even protects you with antivirus and identity guard tools like Incognito and Alert.
Key Features
- No-logs policy: It doesn’t store your browsing data, so your online activity remains completely private.
- Dedicated IP addresses: Get a personal IP to bypass restrictions and access content more securely.
- Camouflage Mode: Makes your VPN traffic look like normal internet traffic, helping you stay under the radar.
- Unlimited device connections: Protect all your gadgets at once, from phones to laptops, without extra cost.
- Advanced VPN protocols: Supports WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN for fast, stable, and secure connections.
Pros and Cons
- Unlimited device connections on a single account
- Strong privacy with no-logs and RAM-only servers
- Extra security tools like Antivirus, Alert & Incogni
- May face slower speeds on distant servers
- Dedicated IP comes with an extra cost
Pricing
- $1.69 per month
4. ProtonVPN – Fast and Secure VPN for North Korea
This VPN provider gives a free forever plan! Proton VPN allows secure browsing with unlimited data but limits the number of devices you can connect (1 device on free, up to 10 on paid plans).
With advanced security features like AES-256 encryption, kill switch, and DNS leak protection, it ensures safe browsing in high-risk regions like North Korea. Although Proton VPN doesn’t operate servers directly inside North Korea, its global server network nearby enables accessing blocked sites.
For those needing more, the paid plan unlocks P2P-compatible servers for secure file transfers, faster speeds, and advanced options like dedicated IPs. You can easily hide your real IP, browse anonymously, and transfer large files safely without sacrificing privacy.
Key Features
- Swiss-Based Privacy: It operates under strict Swiss laws, ensuring no government surveillance or forced data logging.
- Secure Core Servers: It routes traffic through multiple servers for extra protection against advanced network-based attacks.
- NetShield Ad-Blocker: ProtonVPN blocks ads, malware, and trackers, boosting browsing speed and security.
- Tor Over VPN: You can access Onion (.onion) sites directly through Proton VPN without needing separate Tor software.
- VPN Accelerator: Unique technology that boosts speeds by up to 400%, making it 100% reliable for streaming and file transfers.
Pros and Cons
- Strong Swiss privacy and strict no-logs policy
- Free plan with unlimited data
- Limited servers and features on the free plan
Pricing
- $2.99 per month
5. CyberGhost – User-Friendly VPN for North Korea
CyberGhost VPN is a powerful VPN service offering global coverage across 100 countries with blazing-fast 10-Gbps servers. It provides a free VPN trial and a 45-day money-back guarantee, letting new users test all its premium features risk-free. With support for up to 7 devices simultaneously, it works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, routers and more.
Built for advanced privacy and speed, CyberGhost comes with industry-leading AES 256-bit encryption, RAM-only servers for zero traces, and customizable VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard) to ensure top security and performance.
Specialized servers for P2P torrenting, streaming, and gaming offer optimized connections, while advanced extras like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscated IP masking make it good for bypassing restrictions.
Key Features
- Obfuscated Servers: It hides VPN traffic to bypass extreme government censorship and firewalls. So no one gets to know if you’re using a VPN or not.
- RAM-Only Servers: It guarantees zero data retention by wiping all information with every reboot.
- Streaming & P2P Optimized Servers: Access geo-blocked platforms safely and torrent anonymously at high speeds.
- Wi-Fi Auto Protection: VPN auto-activates on unsafe networks, protecting users from surveillance hotspots.
- Dedicated IP Option: Use a private IP to securely access sensitive accounts and avoid blacklisting.
Pros and Cons
- AES 256-bit military-grade encryption
- Streaming, torrenting & gaming optimized servers
- Up to 7 devices with one subscription
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Not available for free beyond the limited trial
- Some servers can be slower during peak hours
Pricing
- $1.83 per month
6. IvacyVPN – Ultimate Safe Browsing VPN for North Korea
Ivacy VPN has now upgraded itself to Ivacy Powered by PureVPN, combining the strengths of both providers to give users stronger security, faster speeds, and wider global access.
It offers protection for up to 10 devices at the same time, smooth account migration, and no service interruptions for existing users. It offers 5,700+ servers across 100+ locations worldwide. Ivacy makes sure you stay connected securely no matter where you are.
When it comes to security, Ivacy uses 256-bit encryption, multiple VPN protocols (TCP, UDP, IKEV), and extras like IPv6 leak protection, secure DNS, DDoS protection, and a kill switch. It also supports streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime while bypassing ISP throttling for smooth viewing. Ivacy is not free, but it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Key Features
- Global Server Network: Ivacy has a network of 5,700+ servers across 100+ locations, letting you unblock content and access the web securely from anywhere.
- Multiple VPN Protocols: You can choose from TCP, UDP and IKEV protocols to customize your security and browsing experience.
- Advanced Security Tools: You get features like IPv6 leak protection, secure DNS, split tunneling, and DDoS protection to keep your online activities safe.
- Special Add-Ons: Ivacy offers dedicated IPs, residential IPs, port forwarding, and dedicated servers for faster speeds and more control.
- Streaming & Downloads: Enjoy buffer-free streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and more, while real-time threat detection keeps your downloads safe.
- Smart Purpose Selection: Helps you easily pick VPN modes like streaming, secure downloading, or unblocking.
Pros and Cons
- 5,700+ servers in 100+ locations for global access
- Advanced features like Split Tunneling and DDoS protection
- Works well with streaming platforms (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)
- No completely free version available.
Pricing
- $2.14 per month
7. PrivateInternetAccess – Privacy-Focused VPN for North Korea
PIA VPN has a very high rating on Trustpilot! People consistently give it 5 out of 5 stars on many vpn reviews, praising its reliability, speed, customer support, and its no-logs policy.
When compared with free or local VPNs, PIA offers much stronger guarantees like 100% open-source apps, strong encryption, unlimited bandwidth, many global servers, advanced features like split tunneling. Free VPNs often have severe limitations like data caps, weaker security, slower speeds, fewer servers, more logging or weaker privacy guarantees.
In terms of security and accessing content restricted in North Korea: while PIA has many of the tools you’d want like encryption, kill switch, protocol choices, North Korea explicitly bans VPN usage for citizens. (You can use obfuscated servers to access the internet).
Key Features
- Open-source apps: Code is publicly available for inspection, ensuring no hidden backdoors and reducing spyware risks.
- Strong no-logs policy & audit: PIA does not monitor or record traffic, meaning even if forced, there’s no data to hand over.
- Advanced encryption options: It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and customizable encryption to bypass deep packet inspection.
- Kill switch & firewall-based leak protection: It prevents accidental data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
- Ad Malware blocking + split tunneling: Blocks trackers and malware, while allowing selective routing of apps through the VPN.
Pros and Cons
- Very good privacy & security features (no logs, open source, strong encryption).
- Wide server network & fast performance globally.
- Useful advanced features (kill switch, split tunneling, ad/malware blocking).
- 24/7 live support and good value for money compared to many paid VPNs.
- At times, speed or connection stability may suffer under heavy censorship
Pricing
- $1.62 per month
8. IPVanish – High-Speed VPN for North Korea
In a country like North Korea, where online surveillance and censorship are at extreme levels, using a reliable VPN like IPVanish can be crucial for maintaining digital privacy.
IPVanish encrypts your internet traffic with advanced protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, shielding your IP address and browsing data from prying eyes. It offers a total of 3,100+ servers across 145+ locations. It allows users to bypass restrictions and access global content more securely.
Features like Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Threat Protection further ensure that your connection remains private even in case of VPN drops. Plus, IPVanish goes beyond being just a VPN by offering a built-in Secure Browser and cloud storage with up to 1TB in advanced plans. The Secure Browser isolates sessions in the cloud, blocking fingerprinting and malware, while ad/tracker protection ensures clean, safe browsing.
Key Features
- Unmetered Device Connections: It protects unlimited devices simultaneously with no caps on installations or usage.
- Secure Browser: Disposable, cloud-based browsing with anti-fingerprinting and malware protection for total anonymity.
- Livedrive Cloud Storage: It stores and backs up up to 1TB of data securely, preventing accidental loss or deletion.
- Threat Protection: IPVanish blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites automatically for safer browsing.
- Advanced Kill Switch: It instantly cuts internet traffic if the VPN drops, preventing exposure of sensitive data.
- 40,000+ Shared IPs: Strengthens anonymity by masking your identity behind thousands of rotating IP addresses.
Pros and Cons
- 3,100+ servers across 145+ locations
- No-logs policy with verified privacy protection.
- Includes Secure Browser and threat protection.
- Unmetered connections for unlimited devices.
- Based in the United States (part of Five Eyes alliance).
Pricing
- £1.58 per month
9. Turbo VPN – Free to Start VPN for North Korea
Now, we’ve Turbo VPN, a popular VPN service used by over 300 million users worldwide. A single account lets you connect 10 devices at once, making it easy to protect all your gadgets or share with family.
With 21,000+ servers in 111 locations, you get wide global access, including nearby countries like South Korea, China, Japan, and Russia close to North Korea. It offers fast protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP-IPsec for stable and ultra-fast speeds.
Advanced security features include AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, private DNS, leak protection, and a kill switch, ensuring your browsing stays private and protected, even on public Wi-Fi.
Key Features
- Connect 10 Devices: With just one Turbo VPN account, you can protect up to 10 devices at the same time. This means your phone, laptop, tablet, all stay secure.
- Huge Server Network: It offers 21,000+ servers across 111 global locations. You can connect to nearby countries close to North Korea.
- ISP Throttling Detector: The ISP slows down your speed while you’re streaming American movies. Turbo VPN detects such throttling and keeps your speed consistent.
- Private DNS & Leak Protection: Turbo VPN uses private DNS to keep your browsing safe and anonymous. It prevents accidental leaks of your online data.
- Turbo Speed: The service is built for ultra-fast browsing and downloading. It reduces lag while watching HD videos, playing games, or video calling.
- Special Streaming & Gaming Servers: Turbo VPN has servers dedicated to entertainment. They are optimized to unblock movies & TV shows.
Pros and Cons
- Wide server coverage in 111 countries
- Strong AES-256 encryption for privacy.
- The free version has limited servers.
Pricing
- $3.33 per month
What to Look for When Choosing the Best VPN for North Korea 2026
You can’t just pick any random VPN to browse the internet in North Korea. The country has one of the strictest internet control systems in the world, and using the wrong VPN can put you at serious risk. That’s why it’s important to be careful and choose a VPN with strong security and the right features. Here are five things you must keep in mind:
- Strong Encryption: A VPN with military-grade encryption ensures your online activities remain private and hidden from government surveillance. Without it, your data could be exposed easily. Always look for AES-256-bit encryption for maximum safety.
- No-Logs Policy: A strict no-logs policy guarantees that the VPN provider doesn’t keep track of your browsing history. This is important in a country like North Korea where privacy risks are extremely high.
- Special Obfuscated Servers: Obfuscated servers disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for authorities to detect you’re using a VPN. This is an important feature to bypass heavy censorship and firewalls.
- Fast and Stable Connection: Since North Korea has limited internet infrastructure, a slow VPN will make browsing frustrating. A good VPN should offer optimized servers for speed and stability, especially if you want to access media content.
- Cross-Device Compatibility: You may need to use your VPN on multiple devices like laptops, phones, or tablets. Getting a VPN that supports multiple platforms ensures you stay protected on all your devices at once.
How do I set up a VPN for North Korea ?
Many new users have no idea how to install or start using a VPN, especially in a place as restrictive as North Korea. Don’t worry! We’ll explain everything from scratch and guide you step by step. Here’s how you can set up NordVPN for use in North Korea:
Why did we choose NordVPN?
Firstly, it offers military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and obfuscated servers to bypass firewalls. It also includes extra features like Double VPN and a Kill Switch, which are very important in high-risk regions. Overall, NordVPN is a reliable option to stay safe in North Korea.
Step-by-Step Setup
Go to the official NordVPN website and purchase a subscription.
Download the NordVPN app for your device (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS) >> Install the app by following the on-screen instructions >> Open the app and log in with your NordVPN account credentials.
From the Speciality server list, mentioned above >> Choose an obfuscated server (these help bypass strict censorship).
Click “Connect” to establish a secure VPN connection.
Once connected, test your VPN by visiting a blocked website or checking your new IP address.
Some of the Extra Configurations for North Korea VPN:
Always enable the Kill Switch so your internet disconnects if the VPN drops >> Use Double VPN for an extra layer of encryption >> Turn on DNS Leak Protection to avoid exposure of your real location.
FAQ’s
Is it legal to use a VPN in North Korea?
No! Using a VPN in North Korea is strictly illegal. You have to be very cautious when using it! Switch on an Obfuscated server for sure! The government has full control over the internet and monitors all online activity. Any attempt to bypass restrictions using a VPN is considered a serious crime. So, that’s why, enable the obfuscated server feature.
Can locals use VPNs?
No! North Korean citizens cannot use VPNs, the free ones. The general population only has access to a state-controlled intranet called “Kwangmyong.” This intranet contains government-approved content and locals are completely cut off from the global internet. To access the global internet, one needs to use a 100% reliable VPN.
How much does the North Korea VPN cost?
There is no such thing as an official North Korea VPN service. If you are visiting the country, you would need to subscribe to an international VPN provider before entering. Most premium VPNs cost between $1 to $6 per month, as per the plan and features.
What happens if I’m caught using a VPN?
Really severe consequences! Being caught with a VPN in North Korea can lead to heavy punishment, including fines, imprisonment, or even harsher penalties. Foreigners are often expelled from the country, while locals may face extreme repercussions.
Which free VPNs work in North Korea?
Free VPNs are highly unreliable in North Korea. Most free VPNs lack the strong encryption and obfuscation required to bypass government firewalls. If you need access, only premium VPNs with advanced security features stand a chance of working.
Do VPNs work on mobile in North Korea?
In theory, VPNs can work on mobile devices if installed before entering North Korea. However, mobile internet access for visitors is heavily restricted, and locals do not have access to international networks.
How Strong Are North Korea Privacy Laws?
North Korea does not have privacy laws at all. Instead of protecting user privacy, the government enforces strict surveillance. Every aspect of communication, both online and offline, is monitored by the state to maintain control.
Conclusion
Living in or even trying to access content from North Korea is like staring at the world through a locked door. The internet there is heavily monitored, and using a VPN comes with serious risks, but for many, it’s the only way to study, to be entertained, or to understand what’s happening beyond the walls of censorship.
That’s why choosing the right North Korean VPN is so important.
Among all the options, NordVPN is the best choice. With its powerful encryption, vast server network in nearby regions, and strict no-log policy, it gives you both speed and safety while keeping your online identity hidden.
For those who cannot invest in a paid VPN, ProtonVPN is a free alternative that still offers a secure way to connect, though with fewer features and slower speeds compared to paid services.
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