With Japanese entertainment's broad reach across the world many are aware of various manga, but what do they know about manhwa? These South Korean comics have become popular over the past couple of years, along with its fan translations and official ones available to read for free online.
Just as one wouldn't recommend Akira to someone who has trouble with blood, violence, and gore, some manhwa are more or less fitting for someone who's just dipping their toes into the genre. But curious readers have nothing to fear — there are plenty of manhwa perfect for capturing a beginner's attention.
Updated by Brianna Albert on September 12th, 2020: Manhwa is a revolution. Akin to manga, manhwa has rocked the entire world, causing fans to garner interest in the South Korean comic. Named "manhwa" for the Korean word for "comic," it can come in digital form and be read easily online as a webtoon. Some even come in black-and-white like original comics.
However, most fans don't know where to start, as there are many manhwa to choose from. From romance, science fiction, and even isekai, there are many plotlines to dive into within the world of manhwa.
Updated by Sarah Martin on March 24th, 2022: Manhwa is always increasing in popularity. Since there are so many manhwa to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming for those looking to become fans. A majority of manhwa is conveniently available on NAVER's Webtoon, so it's more accessible than ever to become immersed in the medium.
21 My ID Is Gangnam Beauty Challenges Superficiality
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty by Maenggi Ki follows Mirae as she starts at her new university. Mirae underwent several operations to change her appearance, earning her the title of "Gangnam beauty." In South Korea, Gangnam is a district in Seoul where many of the wealthiest celebrities live. Mirae is called the derogatory label of "Gangnam beauty" because Gangnam is known for its hundreds of plastic surgery clinics.
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty challenges superficiality. While Mirae was certainly pleased with her looks, she still hated herself deep down. Although Mirae wants to live the university life of her dreams, she's plagued by her insecurities. This manhwa was also adapted into a K-Drama.
20 7FATES: CHAKHO Is An Exciting Action Manhwa That ARMY Will Enjoy
Fans of South Korean superstars BTS are sure to enjoy their manhwa, 7FATES: CHAKHO. Each member has a fictional counterpart in this exciting action manhwa full of references to Korean history and culture. BTS fans, aptly called ARMY, are sure to recognize the masterpiece created by BTS members Jung Kook and SUGA for the manhwa: an OST called "Stay Alive."
Even if one isn't ARMY, 7FATES: CHAKHO is still an action-packed hit — becoming instantly popular as soon as the first few chapters were released on Webtoon. For fans of shonen hits like Jujutsu Kaisen, this manhwa will quickly become a personal favorite.
19 Something About Us Is A Heartwarming Romance Manhwa
Gayong and Woojin have a complicated relationship. Although they consider themselves only friends, those around them believe the two are far beyond friendship. One thing is sure: their relationship is, indeed, rather hard to describe.
Something About Us is a heartwarming romance manhwa. It's short, but sweet. Yet, it's impactful and will leave a lasting impression on readers. It's also perfect for college-age viewers. While most manhwa take place in high school, Something About Us fans say the college setting is a breath of fresh air.
18 Love Alarm Is Equally Heartwarming & Unsettling
Imagine a world where your heartbeat was tied to an app, and every time you approached the one you had feelings for, it alerted them. While Love Alarm is undoubtedly heartwarming, the dystopian atmosphere surrounding the app is unsettling. The manhwa doesn't try to hide the negative implications of such technology on the world, either.
Love Alarm was wildly popular upon its release on Webtoon. In fact, it made such a good impression it was adapted into a K-Drama by Netflix which currently has two seasons.
17 True Beauty Is A Manhwa Staple
True Beauty is undoubtedly a must-read for all manhwa enthusiasts. The manhwa, available on Webtoon, criticizes Korea's strict beauty standards. Much like My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, the story criticizes superficiality as both main characters take drastic measures to improve their self-esteem.
In Jugyeong's case, she spent hours watching makeup tutorials to improve her skills and her appearance. Now, she never lets anyone aside from her family see her without makeup. The series is a smash-hit on Webtoon, and it was adapted into a K-Drama.
16 Who Made Me A Princess Is A Comedic Isekai Manhwa
Who Made Me A Princess was written by Pluto and illustrated by Spoon. What does a woman do after awakening to discover she's a little girl named Athanasia, and she has the horrid fate of being killed by her own father? Become a "daddy's girl" so she can escape her dreadful fate, of course.
Now the daughter of the cold-blooded emperor Claude de Alger Obelia, Athanasia must do all she can to live in this new world, as well as get on her new father's good side so she won't meet her tragic end.
15 The Gamer Is An Exciting Isekai, Similar To Sword Art Online
The Gamer was written by San-Young Sung and illustrated by Sang-Ah. Jee-Han is a gamer and loves games more than anything. However, he soon awakens in a world where he gains a new superpower, allowing him to gain RPG-like powers in the real world. Jee-Han comes to meet people who possess similar powers as him and embarks on a journey of slaying monsters and learning new abilities, all in the real world.
14 Lady Baby Is A Murder Mystery With Dire Consequences
Lady Baby was written by Hyeon Ju and illustrated by Pingmin. Calliope is an unfortunate soul. Her family was murdered, and there is an ongoing war that has taken her life. Because of this, Calliope is sent back in time to when she was born ー before anything unfortunate occurred. Will Calliope be able to figure out who murdered her family, and how to stop the war?
13 My Life As An Internet Novel Explores What It Means To Be A Protagonist
My Life As An Internet Novel was written by Han-ryeo Yu and illustrated by A-hyeon. Everyone loves the heroine of the story. The heroine is gorgeous, kind, and goes out of her way to help anyone. However, Dani finds herself reincarnated as the heroine's best friend ー inside of an internet novel. The further Dani progresses through the novel, it seems like she is more important of a character than she thought. Could Dani be the true heroine?
12 Heesu In Class 2 Is A Comedic Boys' Love Manhwa
Heesu In Class was written and illustrated by Lily. Heesu harbors an unrequited love for his best friend, Chanyoung. Chanyoung doesn't notice his friend's feelings for him at all, even telling Heesu about his girl problems.
Because of this, something odd occurs ー everyone begins coming to Heesu for love advice as earning him the nickname, "Heesu in Class 2." But how would Heesu know what to do when he doesn't even know how to deal with his love life?
11 Solo Leveling Is The Ultimate Isekai Manhwa
Solo Leveling is perfect the manhwa to jumpstart a reader's newest obsession. Those who enjoy Sword Art Online won't want to miss this RPG inspired action manhwa. After the Gate opened ten years ago, monsters began to escape into the real world. Humans were given roles as Hunters to defeat them. Sung Jin-Woo has become an E-rank Hunter, but this doesn't last long. Sung Jin-Woo soon discovers a hidden dungeon of the hardest difficulty and begins his grind to become an S-rank Hunter.
10 They Say I Was Born A King's Daughter Is A Progressive Romance Manhwa
They Say I Was Born a King's Daughter is a manhwa adapted from the South Korean manhwa of the same name. This romance isekai will have readers smiling and irritated at the same time, but in a good way. Suhee Kim is a girl who spent her life being pursued by rich men.
But she finally finds herself happy with a boyfriend who loves her, she is murdered by a jealous man. Suhee Kim awakens to discover she has been reincarnated as a princess named Sanghee Kim in a world where men rule. Motivated to make a difference, Sanghee Kim makes it her duty to change this world's mindsets.
9 Annarasumanara Is Not For The Faint Of Heart
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Annarasumanara was written and illustrated by Il-Kwon Ha. When Yun Ai was a young girl, her dream was to become a magician. This dream did not come to fruition, and now she is a high school student who can barely afford anything. Determined not to give up, she visits a fair where she meets a real magician.
This magician lights the passion in Yun Ai's heart once again, and she decides to pursue her dream. Despite the hopeful message, this manhwa has some undertones of melancholy and is not for the faint of heart.
7 The Girl And The Geek Proves That Love Can Be Found In Unexpected Ways
Fans of Ouran High School Host Club would adore this charming manhwa. When a girl who can't seem to get a regular job snags a job cleaning, she meets Oh Deokhoo. The problem is that he's filthy as well as a nerd. That's not all, however.
Oh Deokhoo's super expensive action figure goes missing after she cleans his room, and he tells her he must regularly clean her room to pay him back. For two people who have only been in love with stars on television and video games, will their love bloom?
6 Bastard Is A Psychological Thriller
Bastard was written by Carnby Kim and written by Young-chan Hwang. For those who enjoy reading psychological and horror manga, Bastard is sure to catch even a newbie's attention. The story centers on Jin Seon and his father, a serial killer who targets any girl who slightly resembles his deceased wife.
Jin Seon acted as his faithful accomplice out of fear until he befriends a girl, Kyun Yoon. Jin Seon decides to stand up for what's right and defy his father's orders to protect those he loves.
5 What's Wrong With Secretary Kim? Started As A Light Novel, Then Got Adapted Into A K-Drama
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim is based on the novel of the same name by Jung Kyung-yoon. The novel was then adapted into a manhwa as well as a live-action drama when it ended in 2018. The story kicks off when Kim Mi-so, the excellent secretary of a narcissistic vice chairman of a corporation, decides to resign from her position after working together with him for nine years. The story features a romance between the two, as well as a psychological plot. This is the perfect romantic comedy for new manhwa readers.
4 Daughter Of The Emperor Is A Light-hearted Isekai Manhwa
For those who enjoy isekai manga, Daughter of The Emperor is right up their alley. Based on a novel of the same name, Daughter of The Emperor is akin to light novels. When a young woman dies an unfortunate death, she finds herself reincarnated as none other than the newborn baby of the insane tyrant kind, Ariadna Lereg Ilestri Agrigent.
Featuring a heartwarming relationship between father and daughter, this snappy comedy has something for everyone. Although the manhwa is still ongoing, the novel has been completed and fans can expect the remaining plotlines to be adapted.
3 Noblesse Is A Popular Supernatural Manhwa
Noblesse was written by Son Jeho and illustrated by Lee Kwangsu. This manhwa was one of the first to receive an official English translation —an indicator of how well it was received from South Korean fans and those overseas. Noblesse tells the story of a powerful noble, Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, who slept for almost a thousand years and must adapt to modern society. He attends a school in South Korea where he meets his servant Frankenstein and befriends others as well. For those who can't get enough of mystery manga, Noblesse is a great way to dive into the supernatural.
2 Cheese In The Trap Is A Classic
Cheese in the Trap is a South Korean manhwa authored and illustrated by Soonkki. When a manhwa has a live-action adaption, it must be great, and this one certainly is. Cheese in the Trap is a romance, drama, and psychological manhwa that centers on hardworking college student Hong Seol and two-faced Yoo Jung.
After Hong Seol discovers that Yoo Jung's nice attitude is a farce, he becomes interested in Hong Seol and pursues a relationship with her. This manhwa is a classic that everyone should read.