How to Watch Korean TV in Canada [Step-by-Step]

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how to watch korean tv in canada

Knowing how to watch Korean TV in Canada is an essential skill for any K-drama fan.

Most Korean TV content is still difficult to access in Canada, despite its obvious growth in popularity. But with the right know-how, you can get past geo-errors.

So if you’re looking for ways to keep up with your favorite shows – look no further. I’ll show you how to unlock SBS, KBS, and even Netflix Korea.

I’ll also give an overview of the best VPNs that work for Korean TV and also recommend some shows you don’t want to miss.

Let’s get started.

Quick Guide: How to watch Korean TV in Canada with a VPN

Follow these steps for easy access:

  1. Choose a VPN: Select a VPN with servers in South Korea such as Surfshark or NordVPN.
  2. Install & Connect: Download the VPN app on your device, install it, and connect to a server in South Korea.
  3. Start Streaming: Head to your preferred Korean streaming site or app, and enjoy!

How to watch Korean TV in Canada

To watch Korean TV in Canada you’ll need to mask your location and make it seem you’re in Korea. The only reliable way to do that is by using a VPN that’s optimized for streaming and bypassing geo-locks.

For unlocking South Korean TV content, I highly recommend that you:

Use Surfshark

In terms of speed and reliability on the South Korean servers, Surfshark is my top choice. Here’s how to use it to use it to bypass location errors:

  1. Head over to the Surfshark website and choose a subscription plan that suits you.
  2. Once you’ve signed up, download the Surfshark app for your device. Follow the installation prompts.
download surfshark
  1. Open the Surfshark app, select a server located in South Korea, and connect to it.
surf shark south korean servers
  1. Now, navigate to your desired Korean streaming platform, whether it’s KBS, MBC, SBS, or any other. You should be able to access the content without any geographical restrictions.

Why you need a VPN to watch Korean TV in Canada

You need a VPN to watch Korean TV in Canada because it will mask your IP address and route your internet through a South Korean server. This will trick geo-restrictions and bypass errors on Korean streaming platforms.

Many Korean TV channels restrict their content to viewers within South Korea. This means that if you’re in Canada and try to access them, you’ll likely encounter a pesky error message.

For instance, when you try to watch anything on KBS, you’ll get This video is not available for service due to copyright issues.

geo restriction on korean tv channel kbs

However, once you connect to a VPN server from South Korea, the error is nowhere to be found.

Best VPNs to watch Korean TV in Canada

Here’s a quick overview of all the essential details you should know about my top picks for watching Korean TV in Canada. Below you’ll find a more detailed version where I explain the ins and outs of these VPNs.

  1. Surfshark: Known for bypassing geo-restrictions with ease, Surfshark boasts 3,200 servers worldwide, including 20 in South Korea. Its CleanWeb feature ensures an ad-free streaming experience.
  2. NordVPN: A powerhouse with over 5,000 global servers and 15 in South Korea. Its CyberSec and Double VPN features offer enhanced security and high-speed streaming.
  3. ExpressVPN: Offers seamless access with over 3,000 servers globally and around 10 in South Korea. Its TrustedServer technology and high-speed connections make it a top choice for buffer-free streaming.
  4. CyberGhost: With 9,700 servers globally and 12 dedicated ones in South Korea, it’s optimized for Korean content. Its dedicated streaming servers and HTTPS redirection ensure a secure streaming experience.
  5. IPVanish: A reliable choice with 2,084 servers worldwide and a presence in South Korea. Known for its strong privacy features and the ability to download episodes for offline viewing.

The truth is that some Korean streaming platforms enforce stringent geo-locking technologies that not all VPNs are able to bypass. Unfortunately, just having a Korean server doesn’t suffice.

The best VPN for Korean TV should include all of the following:

  • Reliable server connections in South Korea south korea flag
  • High-speed streaming⚡ and robust security features🔐
  • Compatibility with Korean streaming platforms 📺
  • Available for multiple types of streaming devices 📱💻📺

I can assure you that all of the options below meet these requirements.

Let’s check them out.

1. Surfshark – bypass geo-restrictions with ease

surfshark unlocking korean tv

So, here’s the deal: I’ve been deep into the VPN game for a while, and Surfshark? It’s a standout.

With a whopping 3,200 servers worldwide and a solid 20 in South Korea, mostly in Seoul, it’s got coverage.

Now, I remember wanting to binge Hotel Del Luna on KBS. And guess what? Thanks to Surfshark, I got in without a hitch.

Moreover, the CleanWeb feature is able to block intrusive ads and pop-ups. Now, it may not work on absolutely all types of sites and ads, but it does improve the overall streaming experience.

Pros:

  • Reliable server coverage in South Korea
  • CleanWeb feature for ad-free streaming
  • Bypasses geo-restrictions effectively

Cons:

  • Some servers are blacklisted by Netflix

Surfshark

Feed your K-drama addiction with Surfshark! Connect to access unlimited content!
Check price Visit website

2. NordVPN – advanced features to bypass VPN blocks

nordvpn unlocking korean tv in canada

Alright, story time. I was super into Running Man on SBS, and NordVPN was my ticket in. 

With a massive 5,000+ servers globally and about 15 in South Korea, primarily in Seoul, it’s a powerhouse.

If you’re like me and have used VPNs to bypass geo-blocks before, you probably know that Netflix does all it can to stop this. But NordVPN is prepared.

It has obfuscated servers that not only hide your real location but also disguise VPN traffic and make it seem like regular HTTPS. With this, you’ll be able to watch Netflix Korea hitch-free.

The CyberSec feature? It’s a game-changer, blocking all those pesky ads and sketchy sites. 

✅ Pros:

  • Extensive server network
  • CyberSec feature for enhanced security
  • Double VPN for added encryption

❌ Cons:

  • Occasionally inconsistent server speeds

NordVPN

Open the door to exclusive Korean TV! Use NordVPN to access local content as if you were in Korea!
Check price Visit website

3. ExpressVPN – amazing speeds for watching Korean TV

expressvpn unlocking korean tv in canada

Many VPN experts and reviewers agree on one thing: ExpressVPN is fast. It offers impressive speeds on all servers which is essential for any online endeavor, but especially for streaming.

Boasting over 3,000 servers worldwide and around 10 in South Korea, mainly in Seoul, it’s got the coverage. 

So whenever I want to relive the Infinite Challenge days on MBC, I know I can count on ExpressVPN.

Furthermore, the VPN uses AES-256-bit encryption. This scrambles your data so no server admin or ISP can see your history. It can come in handy to prevent speed throttling.

✅ Pros:

  • TrustedServer technology for enhanced privacy
  • High-speed servers for buffer-free streaming
  • Reliable access to major Korean TV networks

❌ Cons:

  • Pricier than some competitors

ExpressVPN

Binge on as much Korean TV as you can! Use ExpressVPN to get unlimited access!
Check price Visit website

4. CyberGhost – optimized servers for Korean content

cyberghost unlocking korean tv in canada

With a staggering 9,700 servers globally and 12 in South Korea, mostly in Seoul, CyberGhost has the range you need for watching all the Korean content you want.

Those dedicated streaming servers? They’re pure gold.

So, I was hooked on Kingdom and needed my fix from Netflix Korea. As you know, the geo-locks and VPN errors on Netflix are no joke.

But the streaming-optimized server Netflix KR in CyberGhost is specifically built to attack those blocks and grant you seamless access.

And the HTTPS redirection? It ensures you’re always on the safe side, making your streaming experience secure.

✅ Pros:

  • Dedicated streaming servers for optimal performance
  • HTTPS redirection for secure connections
  • Wide server network for extensive coverage

❌ Cons:

  • Slower speeds on some servers

CyberGhost

Say goodbye to geo-restrictions! Fire up CyberGhost for limitless Korean TV in Canada!
Check price Visit website

5. IPVanish – secure and private Korean TV streaming 

ipvanish unlocking korean tv in canada

With a network of 2,084 servers worldwide and 4 options in South Korea, located in Seoul, IPVanish is yet another great option for watching Korean TV in Canada.

While it’s not as big of a name as other options on this list, it surely delivers. 

It has everything from exceptional speed and server availability to compatibility with PCs, Macs, smart TVs, and more.

When I tested it, I was able to unlock SBS and MBC with no problems. The big surprise though was that even Netflix KR worked, even though IPVanish doesn’t have specialized streaming servers.

✅ Pros:

  • Allows episode downloads for offline viewing
  • Strong privacy features
  • Reliable server connections in Seoul

❌ Cons:

  • No free trial available

IPVanish

Watch Korean TV in Canada with no restrictions! Connect to IPVanish for hitch-free streaming!
Check price Visit website

Here’s a look at some of the most popular Korean TV channels that you can watch in Canada if you use VPN:

  • KBS (Korean Broadcasting System)
    • Moonlight Drawn by Clouds: A historical romance drama set in the Joseon Dynasty.
    • 2 Days & 1 Night: A popular variety show where cast members take on various challenges.
  • MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation)
    • Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo: A coming-of-age sports drama about a young weightlifter.
    • Infinite Challenge: A long-running variety show known for its unique and fun challenges.
  • SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System)
    • My Love from the Star: A romantic drama about an alien who has lived on Earth for 400 years.
    • Running Man: A variety show that involves various games and races.
  • JTBC
    • Sky Castle: A drama that delves into the ambitions and desires of high-society families.
    • Knowing Bros: A school-themed variety show where guests appear as “transfer students.”
  • TVN
    • Crash Landing on You: A romance drama about a South Korean heiress and a North Korean army officer.
    • Three Meals a Day: A reality cooking show set in various rural locations.
  • Netflix Korea
    • Kingdom: A historical thriller about a mysterious plague in the Joseon Dynasty.
    • Sweet Home: A horror drama based on a popular webtoon about a world overrun by monsters.

Conclusion

Trying to watch Korean TV from Canada might seem daunting at first, but with the right tools, it’s a breeze.

VPNs are the bridge that connects fans to their favorite shows, dramas, and variety programs, eliminating geographical barriers.

More about the topics: Canada, Geoblocking, Korean TV, Unblock, Watch