Is Viki Available in Korea? Explained
Viki is one of the most popular streaming platforms for Asian dramas and variety shows. People all over the world enjoy watching K-Dramas, Chinese dramas, and Japanese shows on it. But if you’re in Korea, you might be wondering…
Contents
- 1 TL;DR — Is Viki Available in Korea?
- 2 Why Isn’t All Content Available in Korea?
- 3 What Can You Watch on Viki in Korea?
- 4 Is It Legal to Use Viki in Korea?
- 5 Can You Use a VPN to Access More Viki Shows?
- 6 Is a Viki Pass Worth it in Korea?
- 7 Alternatives to Viki in Korea
- 8 How to Check What’s Available on Viki in Korea?
- 9 Final Thoughts: So, Is Viki Worth Using in Korea?
- 10 Quick Recap
TL;DR — Is Viki Available in Korea?
Yes, but with some limits. Viki is accessible in South Korea, but not all shows are available there. Some content is blocked because of licensing issues. You can still use the app and website, but the library is smaller than in other countries.
Why Isn’t All Content Available in Korea?
Viki offers shows from many Asian countries. But streaming rights work differently in each place. In Korea, many of the shows that appear on Viki are already on local streaming platforms. That means Viki can’t always get permission to show them there.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Licensing issues: Korean networks like SBS, KBS, and tvN sell rights differently.
- Competition: Local platforms like TVING, Wavve, and Coupang Play already stream the shows.
- Geo-restrictions: Viki must follow country-specific rules.
So, if you’re in Korea, you may see a message like “This video is not available in your region”. That’s frustrating, especially when you’re trying to binge-watch a new K-Drama your friends overseas keep raving about.
What Can You Watch on Viki in Korea?
Even though some big titles are blocked, Viki still offers a decent amount of content in Korea. Here’s what you can usually access:
- International shows — like Chinese, Taiwanese, and Thai dramas
- Some older Korean content that’s not exclusive to other local platforms
- Fan-subtitled content that hasn’t been geo-blocked
And let’s not forget the beauty of Viki: the subtitles! Viki’s subtitle community adds translations in lots of languages. So even if you find only a few dramas, you’ll probably get them with great subs.
Is It Legal to Use Viki in Korea?
Yes! Viki operates legally in South Korea. The platform itself is not banned.
You can:
- Download the Viki app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Sign in or create an account
- Stream freely (with restricted content depending on location)
However, using other tools to bypass the location restrictions — like a VPN — is more of a gray area, which we’ll talk about next.
Can You Use a VPN to Access More Viki Shows?
Technically, yes. But be careful.
Some users in Korea use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to unlock extra content by tricking the app into thinking they’re in another country. This could mean getting access to shows that are available in the U.S. or UK.
But Viki is aware of this trick. It doesn’t always work. Many users find that:
- Viki blocks known VPN servers
- The video won’t load or displays an error
- The app might lag or crash
Also, using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions can break Viki’s terms of service. So while it might give you more dramas to watch, it’s a risky way to do it.
Is a Viki Pass Worth it in Korea?
This depends on how much content you can access without a VPN.
Viki Pass gives you:
- No ads
- Early access to some episodes
- HD quality video
- Access to “Viki Exclusives” (but only if they’re available in your region)
If you live in Korea and most of the shows you want are not available, the Viki Pass might not be worth it. Make sure to browse the catalog with a free account first before upgrading.
Alternatives to Viki in Korea
If you really want to watch Korean dramas while in Korea, don’t worry. You have options!
- Wavve: Great for local dramas and live TV
- TVING: Offers a lot of tvN and JTBC content
- Coupang Play: Offers exclusives and newer shows
- Netflix Korea: A global platform with a strong selection of Korean content
These platforms usually have Korean-language support. Some even offer English subtitles. And since these are local apps, they carry all the hot, trending content in Korea without geo-blocking.
How to Check What’s Available on Viki in Korea?
Want to check what’s available before you log in or get a subscription? Here’s how:
- Go to viki.com
- Make sure you’re not connected to a VPN
- Use the search bar or browse popular shows
- Click on a title to check availability — if it’s blocked, it’ll say so right away
This is an easy way to get a feel for what you’ll be able to watch locally. You can also sort by language and genre to find hidden gems!
Final Thoughts: So, Is Viki Worth Using in Korea?
Yes — with some caution.
If you’re already used to Viki and love its interface and subtitles, go ahead and keep using it in Korea. But don’t expect to find every single Korean drama on it.
Use it to enjoy:
- International dramas with subtitles
- Community recommendations
- The “K-feel” from a global fan base
But also consider combining Viki with local apps if you want complete access to Korean dramas. That way, you don’t miss anything!
Quick Recap
- ✅ Viki is available in South Korea
- ⛔ Not all content is accessible due to licensing
- 🌍 VPNs might work, but they can cause issues
- 💸 Be cautious before buying a Viki Pass in Korea
- 📺 Local alternatives might offer more K-Drama options
Wherever you are, happy drama watching!
