Is It Safe to Use a VPN in North Korea? The 2025 Reality Check

💡 VPNs & North Korea in 2025: The Straight-Up Truth

Let’s cut to the chase: North Korea is the Fort Knox of internet censorship. It’s the one place where, if you’re scrolling through Reddit or researching ‘vpn north korea’ for your big trip or some James Bond-style privacy hack, you’ll find more urban legends than actual how-to guides. Every year, people in the UK (and all over Europe) wonder: “Could I use a VPN in North Korea? What if I get caught? Is it even possible?”

Here’s the honest answer, mate: for regular tourists, expats, or even most locals, the internet as you know it just isn’t there. Forget about streaming BBC iPlayer, checking your Insta, or logging into your Google account. The government runs a closed intranet called Kwangmyong, and only a tiny, highly vetted group (think diplomats and some expats) get access to the real, global internet — and even that’s on a super tight leash.

But the topic’s still hot. With VPNs trending everywhere else — especially for privacy, streaming, and dodging ISP throttling — folks want to know: What’s the real risk? Are there any workarounds? Or is it just plain dangerous? I’ll break down the facts, compare North Korea with places like China and the UK, and share what the latest public chatter and real-world news say about VPN use in the world’s most locked-down country.

📊 North Korea vs. Other Countries: VPN Use & Internet Access in 2025

Looking at the table, you can see just how brutal North Korea’s digital lockdown is compared to China and the UK. China’s infamous Great Firewall still lets you squeeze through with the right VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN), but North Korea? It’s another level. VPNs are totally illegal, and most people can’t even get online, never mind download an app. In China, at least there’s a legal grey area: use a government-approved VPN and you’ll probably be fine — but use an outside one, and you’re taking a risk. Meanwhile, in the UK, VPN use is not just legal, it’s mainstream — people use them for privacy, Netflix, and to dodge those cheeky ISP slowdowns.

The shock factor? In North Korea, even the expats who get internet access are watched like hawks. For everyday folks, the idea of ‘private browsing’ is just a fantasy. But it’s important to note that, as draconian as this is, it hasn’t stopped people from trying to find loopholes, and it keeps the privacy conversation alive.

💡 Why North Korea’s VPN Situation Matters for UK Users

So why do so many people in the UK still Google “vpn north korea” in 2025? It’s not just morbid curiosity or a TikTok trend. With travel restrictions easing in some places and more UK citizens working or studying abroad, there’s real interest in global internet access. Plus, with streaming rights drama — like not being able to watch the Tour de France on ITVX from overseas — VPNs are on everyone’s mind.

Earlier this month, TechRadar pointed out that privacy — not streaming — is now the top reason people use VPNs [TechRadar, 2025-07-04]. But North Korea’s reality is just different. For regular folks, there’s no “download a VPN before you arrive” trick. Even if you pre-install one, you’ll be on lockdown the second you land — phones are checked, apps can be deleted, and you’ll be offline except in rare, supervised moments.

On Reddit and travel forums, you’ll see wild stories, warnings, and sometimes straight-up myths about sneaking VPNs in. But the consensus from recent UK travellers is: don’t risk it. The consequences are severe, and there’s no guarantee you’ll even get a signal. If you’re heading to China or Russia, it’s a different story — VPNs are still tricky, but at least possible. In North Korea, the best advice is to play it safe, stick to official channels, and assume no privacy.

Meanwhile, for most UK expats and digital nomads, the VPN conversation is about finding the right tool for streaming and privacy in places where internet is restricted, but not totally shut off. NordVPN, for example, is a top pick for China, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee — perfect for short trips or testing the waters. And, as Clubic explored, yes, VPNs can slow your connection, but for most users outside North Korea, the pros massively outweigh the cons [Clubic, 2025-07-03].

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Can you really use VPNs in North Korea as a tourist or expat?

💬 Honestly, unless you’re part of a select group (like diplomats), it’s basically impossible for regular tourists or residents to use a VPN inside North Korea. Internet access itself is tightly controlled and tourists are almost always kept offline. Even if you somehow got a VPN app on your device, the local networks won’t let you connect to international servers. So, for the average person? It’s a hard no.

🛠️ Why do people online talk about VPNs in North Korea if it’s so locked down?

💬 Mostly, it’s curiosity or confusion! Sometimes people assume that ‘VPN works anywhere,’ but North Korea is a different beast. A lot of chatter comes from folks planning trips, studying the country, or just asking in forums. But actual, real-world use is extremely rare and risky — so always double-check before you believe viral claims.

🧠 What about using a VPN to access UK content from neighbouring countries — is that risky?

💬 Great question. If you’re in China or even Russia, VPN use is much more common (though still technically restricted in China). Loads of expats use VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer or Netflix UK while abroad. Just make sure you pick a VPN known to work in those places (like NordVPN) and keep up with local laws to avoid any surprises.

🧩 Final Thoughts…

Here’s my honest, street-level advice: North Korea is the one place where your ‘VPN hack’ just won’t fly. For UK users, it’s a good reality check on how lucky we are to have open access and the right to privacy tools. If you’re travelling to North Korea, don’t bother with VPNs — focus on staying safe and respecting local rules. For everywhere else (China, Middle East, etc.), a good VPN is still your best mate for privacy, streaming, and dodging nosy ISPs.

VPNs aren’t magic wands, but they’re powerful — just know their limits. And when in doubt? Ask before you act.

📚 Further Reading

Here are 3 recent articles that give more context to this topic — all selected from verified sources. Feel free to explore 👇

🔸 This is the main reason TechRadar readers use VPNs - and no, it isn’t streaming
🗞️ Source: TechRadar – 📅 2025-07-04
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Un VPN ralentit-il vraiment votre connexion ? Entre fantasme persistant et réalités d’usages
🗞️ Source: Clubic – 📅 2025-07-03
🔗 Read Article

🔸 Tour de France 2025 kostenlos im TV und Live-Stream: Alles zu Übertragungen, Etappen, Terminen und Co.
🗞️ Source: Netzwelt – 📅 2025-07-04
🔗 Read Article

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📌 Disclaimer

This post blends publicly available information with a touch of AI assistance. It’s meant for sharing and discussion purposes only — not all details are officially verified. Please take it with a grain of salt and double-check when needed.