Manhwa has captivated the hearts of fans who love Japanese entertainment like anime and manga. Of the different kinds, romance is the dominant genre to saturate the field. Since the majority of manhwa possesses more capable female leads than manga, some have become accustomed to switching to South Korean comics.
Regardless of what kind of romantic stories readers enjoy, anyone can appreciate the storylines found across manhwa. Whether it's a princess from a foreign country waking from her true love's kiss or a sharp-tongued woman reincarnating to get revenge on her killer, there's a romance manhwa for everyone.
Updated on March 5th, 2024 by Chelsea Steele: In recent years, manhwa has been on the rise, and many long-time manga readers are getting into this South Korea-based medium. Romance is easily the most popular manhwa genre, offering many great love stories readers are sure to enjoy. This list has been updated to meet CBR's current publication standards, providing more info on some of the best romance manhwa series fans should check out.
25 Top Manhwa You Need To Read
Manga may be a more popular storytelling medium, but these manhwa shouldn't be discounted and still make for perfect reading today.30 He Can't Be This Dumb! Plays Up Some Of The Best Romance Tropes
91 Chapters (Completed)
He Can't Be This Dumb
Despite trying to fly under the radar, Kang Doha somehow ends up in the same dorm as Rowoon, the most popular guy in school! He seems to have it all, but when it comes to girls, he's completely clueless. Can Doha teach him how to win a girl's heart?
- Author
- Navi
- Artist
- Pop
- Release Date
- December 14, 2021
- Genre
- Manhwa , Romantic Comedy
- Where to Read
- Tapas
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.07/10 |
Anime-Panet |
3.97/5 |
Goodreads |
3.85/5 |
Kang Doha is a regular girl, living a regular life until she gets the chance to enroll at International Island High. In this prestigious school, only available for the richest kids in Korea, she ends up sharing a room with Rowoon, the school's sweetheart. Although he's perfect, he's clueless when it comes to girls, which makes their romance a complicated affair.
- Constant misunderstanding
- Average girl in a rich school
- Romcom manhwa
Readers who love quality romance manga will love He Can't Be This Dumb! This series is a wholesome love story that works with some of manga's best tropes, such as the constant misunderstandings that keep things hilarious.
29 My ID Is Gangnam Beauty Uses Its Romance As A Commentary On Korean Beauty Standards
92 Episodes (Completed)
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty!
In Maenggi Ki's My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, Mirae undergoes plastic surgery, and she desires a normal college life unjudged upon her appearance.
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.19/10 |
Anime-Planet |
3.96/5 |
Goodreads |
3.72/5 |
If fans are looking for a good romance manhwa recommendation with excellent social commentary, they should look no further than My ID Is Gangnam Beauty by Maenggi Ki. The manhwa follows a college student named Mirae who underwent several rounds of cosmetic surgery to escape her bullies. But her peers still ridicule her for having such a plastic face.
- Plenty of social commentary on conventional beauty standards
- Received a K-drama adaptation
- Emphasizes personality over appearance
Mirae meets Kyungseok, an old classmate who cuts through the smoke and mirrors to understand Mirae as a person. The series is a romance manhwa, but it also criticizes Korea's harsh beauty standards and makes a statement against judging others based on their appearance.
28 50 Tea Recipes From The Duchess Is A Wholesome Isekai Romance With A Unique Premise
144 Chapters (Completed)
50 Tea Recipes from the Duchess
50 Tea Recipes from the Duchess, an office worker who is transported into Duchess Chloe uses tea parties to improve Duchess Chloe's standing and get her the respect she deserves.
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.24/10 |
Anime-Planet |
3.98/5 |
Goodreads |
3.87/5 |
Hajeong Park is a shy, lonely accountant in South Korea whose only pleasure in life is tea until she's isekai'd into the life of Duchess Chloé, in a society where tea is considered a low-level beverage. 50 Tea Recipes From The Duchess follows Hajeong as she changes everyone's idea about tea while also falling in love with Duchess Chloé's handsome but dry husband, Duke Alphonse.
- Isekai romance
- Full of tea recipes
- Completed romance manhwa
Anyone looking for a fantastic isekai should read 50 Tea Recipes From The Duchess. Throughout 144 chapters, it tells a beautiful love story, full of actual tea recipes for the fans to try. Besides, it has beautiful art, very compatible with its lovely story.
27 Her Tale Of Shim Chong Is A Historical Girls Love Romance
77 Chapters (Completed)
Her Tale of Shim Chong
Based on a Korean folktale, two very different women find themselves making the same wish - to leave this world behind. One is Shim Chong, a young beggar living off the kindness of others to support herself and her blind father. The other is the bride-to-be of old Chancellor Jang, sold off to him for the sake of her family. When Shim Chong rescues this new bride from the river, their relationship triggers both love and hidden intentions. But will these two women be able to find their way forth in a world that favors men?
- Author
- Seri
- Artist
- Biwan
- Release Date
- September 12, 2017
- Genre
- Manhwa , Historical , Romance
- Where to Read
- https://www.tappytoon.com/en/book/hershimch
- Volumes
- 7
- Publisher
- Pocket Comics
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
8.15/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.38/5 |
Goodreads |
4.61/5 |
Her Tale of Shim Chong follows the beautiful romance between Shim Chong, a beggar, and the soon-to-be bride of Chancellor Jang, a rich, powerful man. From the moment Shim saves the other woman from drowning in the river, the chemistry between them is incredible, even if they deny it.
- LGBTQ+ Representation
- Based on a Korean folktale
- Star-crossed lovers in a wholesome romance manhwa
A perfect manhwa recommendation for those who enjoy yuri and shojo anime, Her Tale of Shim Chong is an LGBTQ+ adaptation of a Korean folktale, which means the romance is only the tip of the iceberg. This manhwa has plenty of interesting lore that readers will appreciate.
26 Would You? Could You? Is A Dramatic Romance With A Mature Storyline
45 Chapters (Complete)
Would You? Could You?
In Would You? Could You?, Juna, Yunseo and Saeha navigate their romantic feelings and relationships with each other.
- Author
- Manjogyeong
- Artist
- Pp
- Genre
- Manhwa
- Release Date
- 2020-00-00
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
N/A |
Anime-Planet |
3.81/5 |
Goodreads |
N/A |
10 Best Romance Manhwa Recommendations
From love stories across time to spicy high school rom-coms, these are the best romance manhwas to read right now.Would you? Could you? is a great series for manga fans who like polyamory relationships and LGBTQ+ romance. This 45-chapter manhwa follows the complicated love triangle between Saeha, Yunseo, and Juna. Since it's a three-way unrequited love story, it's dramatic but perfect for jōsei lovers.
- Polyamory
- Lesbian relationships
- Mature series
Just like Nana or Paradise Kiss, Would you? Could you? has a mature take on romance. It doesn't follow high schoolers. Instead, Saeha, Yunseo, and Juna are young adult women. Readers will have a hard time choosing who to root for, but this is exactly what makes the series worthy.
25 Winter Before Spring Tells A Dramatic Tale Of Two Friends Who Become Something More
62 Episodes (Ongoing)
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
Webtoons |
9.75/10 |
Fans of LGBTQ+ romance animanga are sure to enjoy Winter Before Spring. The manhwa is about Hana, a timid girl who experiences tons of bullying at school. She falls in love with her best friend, Yura.
- Girl's love story
- School setting
- Tons of drama
Hana accidentally spills her guts during a confrontation, but to her surprise, Yura reciprocates her feelings. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a happy ending, and Hana once again becomes an outcast after discovering her other friend Min-ji's true intentions. Min-ji was jealous of Yura and did everything in her power to sabotage their relationship.
24 Deceased Soul Follows Two Lovers With Very Different Jobs
87 Chapters (Completed)
Deceased Soul
In Deceased Soul, Jeongto and Isaeng work on opposite sides: saving souls from death and leading souls to the afterlife, but they fall in love anyway.
- Author
- JO Juhui
- Artist
- Yuno
- Genre
- Manhwa
- Release Date
- 2018-00-00
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
N/A |
Anime-Planet |
3.95/5 |
Goodreads |
N/A |
Also known as [R.I.P] Rest In Peace and This Life to the Next, Deceased's Soul tells the story of Jeongto and Isaeng, two best friends and soon-to-be-lovers whose jobs are completely different: one of them leads people's souls to the afterlife, and the other one tries to save them before they die.
- Interesting lore
- Already adapted to live-action
- Fantasy + Romance
Deceased's Soul tells their love story and the adventures that take place in between, so it isn't just a romantic manhwa. Jeongto and Isaeng end up dealing with things beyond their understanding, like creatures from heaven and hell. This is an excellent option for those who love romance and fantasy manhwa. Additionally, it's already a K-Drama, so those interested can also tune in to the series.
23 On Or Off Is An Office Romance Between Two Businessmen
91 Chapters (Completed)
On or Off
In On or Off, Yiyoung starts a company and falls in love with fellow businessman Kang Daehyung.
- Author
- A1
- Artist
- A1
- Release Date
- February 1, 2019
- Genre
- Manhwa , Romance
- Where to Read
- Tappytoon
- Publisher
- D&C Media, Tokyopop
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.90/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.35/5 |
Goodreads |
4.21/5 |
Yiyoung Ahn is an openly gay man working on a startup with his friends. While looking for investors, destiny leads him to Daehyung Kang, an important businessman who is very much his type. On Or Off tells their love story, while also focusing on Yiyoung's growth as a professional.
- BL romance
- Opposites attract
- Businessmen in love
Created by A1, On Or Off is a very complete romance manhwa. It is funny, dramatic, cute, and even pretty hot at times. Readers who want a nice LGBTQ+ romance to read should check it out. BL fans are sure to fall in love with both Yiyoung and Daehyung almost immediately.
22 Hell & High Water Is An Action-Packed Sci-Fi Romance
28 Chapters (Ongoing)
Hell & High Water
Hell & High Water is a sci-fi romance between Dexter J. Daley and Sloan Brodie.
- Author
- Charlie Cochet
- Artist
- Son Gae Pi
- Genre
- Manhwa , Science Fiction , Romance
- Release Date
- 2017-00-00
- Where to Read
- Webtoon
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
N/A |
Anime-Planet |
4.17/5 |
Goodreads |
4.33/5 |
Dexter J. Daley, a cop with a snitch reputation, joins a new agency following a scandal in which he sent his previous partner to jail. Here, he meets the serious Sloan Brodie, his new partner on a gruesome murder case who will also become his love interest.
- Action-packed scenes
- Yaoi series
- Detective story
Yaoi fans will love Hell & High Water, especially if they're looking for a series that offers more than a love story. Dexter and Sloan have great chemistry as friends and lovers, but also as detective partners. It's a perfect choice for Psycho-Pass or Death Note fans who want something a bit on the lighter side.
21 Heesu In Class 2 Is A Lighthearted Romance That Provides Positive LGBTQ+ Representation
89 Chapters (Completed)
Heesu in Class 2
In Heesu in Class 2, Heesu has a secret crush on his best friend, Chanyoung, and Heesu accidentally becomes known as a love advice expert in school.
- Author
- Lily
- Artist
- Lily
- Release Date
- 2017-00-00
- Genre
- Manhwa , Romance
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
8.06/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.38/5 |
Goodreads |
4.43/5 |
20 Best Slice Of Life Manhwa For Fans Of Manga
Manhwa tends to be overlooked due to manga's popularity. Here are some slice of life manhwa titles that manga fans should give a shot.Fans of healthy BL hits like Given and Sasaki and Miyano are sure to enjoy Heesu In Class 2. It's a classic BL story where the shy kid falls in love with his more extroverted friend and silently cheers for him. Heesu In Class 2 is a lighthearted BL romance manhwa with a good sense of humor.
- Boy's love romance story
- Great for fans of Given
- Introvert & extrovert dynamic between leads
Heesu and Chanyoung are best friends, but the latter is unaware of the former's romantic feelings. Heesu listens to all of Chanyoung's girl issues and is satisfied with just being recognized as his friend. Everything changes when one day, Heesu becomes the de-facto person everyone runs to for romantic advice. Little do these people know that he barely knows how to cope with having a crush of his own.
20 I Love Yoo Features A Slow-Burn Romance & A Classic Love Triangle Dynamic
249+ Chapters (Ongoing)
I Love Yoo
In I Love Yoo, Shin-Ae attempts to avoid love but ends up in a love triangle with two classmates.
- Author
- Quimchee
- Artist
- Quimchee
- Release Date
- 2017-00-00
- Genre
- Manhwa , Romance
- Where to Read
- Webtoon
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
N/A |
Anime-Planet |
4.17/5 |
Goodreads |
N/A |
I Love Yoo was written and illustrated by Quimchee. Shin-Ae has decided to be alone after growing up in an environment that is less than ideal. She lives her life not speaking or getting close to anyone.
- Perfect for fans of love triangles
- Female lead aims to maintain her freedom
- Romance is a slow-burn
All that changes when an accident takes place, and Shin-Ae becomes entangled in the lives of two boys. The story follows Shin-Ae as she's faced with the decision to either change her behavior by interacting with the two new boys in her life or remain a total introvert. I Love Yoo is a great choice for manga fans looking for a little drama with their romance.
19 Our Beloved Summer Follows The Unlikely Romance Between A Model Student & A Slacker
21 Chapters (Completed)
Our Beloved Summer
In Our Beloved Summer, Yeonsu Guk, a model student, and Wung Choi, a slacker, are opposites that fall in love.
- Author
- Han Kyoung Chal, Lee Naeun
- Artist
- Han Kyoung Chal
- Release Date
- 2021-00-00
- Genre
- Manhwa , Romance
- Where to Read
- Webtoon
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.51/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.06/5 |
Goodreads |
4.24/5 |
When Yeonsu Guk, a responsible rule-follower, and Wung Choi, an absolute slacker, are paired up to appear in a documentary about their high school, they expect to have the worst time of their lives. However, as they learn more about each other, their bond grows stronger.
- Romance manhwa with good art
- Opposites attract
- K-Drama is already a success
One of the best romantic manhwa ever, Our Beloved Summer develops the love story between these two characters. This completed romance manhwa isn't wholesome just because of Yeonsu and Wung's emotions. Additionally, it has beautiful panels of the city they live in, which draw the readers even more to the series.
18 Orange Marmalade Is A Vampire-Themed High School Romance
119 Chapters (Completed)
Orange Marmalade
People are no longer afraid of vampires but that doesn't stop humans from discriminating against them. Can Mari Baek hide her identity when she falls in love with a popular boy who hates vampires?
- Author
- Seok-woo
- Artist
- Seok-woo
- Release Date
- June 11, 2013
- Volumes
- 8
- Adaptation
- Orange Marmalade
- Publisher
- WEBTOON
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.83/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.06/5 |
Goodreads |
4.13/5 |
Orange Marmalade was written and illustrated by Seokwoo and features a unique premise. In a world where vampires are no longer feared as bloodthirsty monsters and are instead discriminated against, Mari Baek hides her true identity to live as a normal high school girl.
- Female lead is a vampire
- Lots of focus on female lead's development
- A unique take on vampires
However, the most popular boy in school, who also happens to hate vampires, is her crush. Mari Baek is now faced with the choice to either tell him the truth or continue to watch him from afar. Fans of other vampire-themed anime like Vampire Knight and Dance In The Vampire Bund will definitely enjoy this romance manhwa.
17 Empress Of Another World Follows A Dramatic Power Struggle To Claim The Throne
129 Episodes (Completed)
Empress of Another World
In Empress of Another World, high school student Sabina is transported to another world and forced to take part in a battle for the throne after the emperor is murdered.
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
6.97/10 |
Anime-Planet |
3.92/5 |
Goodreads |
3.86/5 |
Empress of Another World was written by Lim Seo-rim and illustrated by Lee Young Yuu. This incredible villainous manhwa features a Korean high schooler named Sabina who died in a traffic accident, only to awaken to be amid a power struggle over who should ascend to the throne.
- Great for isekai fans
- Courtly romance setting
- Female lead has to outsmart adversaries
Sabina begins living as the concubine to the emperor, but it is not long before an assassin murders him. With all the power left in Sabina's hands now, she must gain the trust of her subjects as well as the court.
16 Sign Is A Cute Slice-Of-Life BL Following The Relationship Between Two Café Workers
115 Chapters (Completed)
Sign
In Sign, Soonhwa gets a job at the GoYo cafe and falls in love with the owner, Yohan Go, who is deaf.
- Author
- Ker
- Artist
- Ker
- Release Date
- 2017-00-00
- Genre
- Manhwa , Romance
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
8.0/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.38/5 |
Goodreads |
N/A |
The webtoon Sign focuses on Soonhwa, a 26-year-old man who starts a new job at Goyo Café. Here, he develops a connection to Go Yohan, the deaf owner of the place. This steamy BL manhwa follows their whole love story and their relationships with other café workers.
- Boys Love manhwa
- Comedy and romance
- Similar to slice-of-life series
Soonhwa and Yohan have a complex relationship, especially due to Soonhwa's self-consciousness, but this doesn't stop love from blooming. Shonen and yaoi readers will find their dynamic heartwarming but full of comedic moments. Sign is definitely a feel-good manhwa recommendation. Plus, it's completed already.
15 Survive As The Hero's Wife Is An Enemies-To-Lovers Isekai Story
118 Chapters (Completed)
Survive As The Hero's Wife
Canaria is drawn into a fictional story, and must avoid the fate of her character, the antagonist of the tale in Survive as the Hero's Wife.
- Author
- Nokki
- Artist
- Nokki
- Release Date
- 2018-00-00
- Genre
- Manhwa
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.40/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.09/5 |
Goodreads |
4.12/5 |
20 Must-Read Villainess Manhwa For Fans Of My Next Life As A Villainess
There are many funny and enjoyable "reincarnated as a villainess" manhwa that are a must-read for fans of the series.After dying, the protagonist of Survive As The Hero's Wife reincarnates as the villain inside a famous book. As Canaria, she's set to die in her own husband's hands, since she's the only thing between him and absolute power. However, she chooses to seduce him to save herself.
- Enemies to lovers
- Reincarnation trope
- Happy ending
Survive As The Hero's Wife is an incredible enemies-to-lovers with an isekai twist. Canaria and Cesar can't stand each other until they do, which leads them to a happy life together. Since this is a completed romance manhwa, readers won't have to wait for new chapters. Instead, they can binge-read it.
14 Can't See Can't Hear But Love Is A Beautiful Tearjerker Romance
83 Chapters (Complete)
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
8.13/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.16/5 |
Goodreads |
4.25/5 |
Can't See Can't Hear But Love tells the story of Min Geun Soo, a blind manhwa artist whose life grows bleaker and bleaker every day. This is until he meets Jeon So Ri, a deaf girl who loves his art and who is willing to show Min that life is beautiful regardless of its tribulations.
- Incredibly emotional
- Slice-Of-Life
- Inspirational
Can't See Can't Hear But Love is an emotional love story. Although it has plenty of sad moments, it's still full of hope, which makes it pretty inspirational. This series is a great option for fans of contemplative slice-of-life manga and those who love a story that makes them cry.
13 The Maid & The Vampire Is A Master-Servant Romance With A Vampire Twist
76 Episodes (Completed)
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
N/A |
Anime-Planet |
3.81/5 |
Goodreads |
3.98/5 |
The Maid and the Vampire was written by Seon Lee, and Yujeong Ju, and illustrated by Dolce Yi. This romance manhwa is about a vampire and his maid, but it's far from cliché. After Areum is sent to Soltera because of a car accident, she is mistaken for a vampire.
- Master & servant dynamic between the leads
- Lots of fluff & sweet moments
- Male lead is a vampire
Here, she is sold to the one and only vampire in Soltera, Duke Millard Travis, and she vows to serve him as her master. Despite the master and servant plot, this is one of the most wholesome manhwas out there that's full of fluff.
12 The Evil Lady's Hero Is A Popular Villainess Isekai Romance
104 Chapters (Completed)
The Evil Lady's Hero
In The Evil Lady's Hero, also known as Villainess in Love, a woman is transported into Yunnifer Magnolia, the villainess in love with Duke Ishid. The new Yunnifer attempts to avoid the villainess' fate, but the story seems to have other plans.
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
7.57/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.17/5 |
Goodreads |
4.14/5 |
The Evil Lady's Hero — also known as The Villainess in Love — was written by Lee Horan and illustrated by R. For fans who are looking for a new isekai manhwa, this series is an utterly evil recommendation. The protagonist finds herself reincarnated as the villainess in a romance novel.
- Perfect for isekai fans
- Plenty of mature content
- "Reincarnated as a villainess" trope
The original villainess, Yunifer Magnolia, was in love with the male lead, Ishid, and was jealous of her best friend, Rael Cania. The crown prince, Cassian, ultimately killed her. To avoid her cruel fate, Yunifer decides to avoid the main characters. When she has a one-night stand with Ishid, the threads of fate begin to twist and tangle.
11 Something About Us Is A Classic Childhood-Friends-To-Lovers Story
115 Chapters (Completed)
Something About Us
They consider themselves the best of friends. Others seem to think otherwise. There's something about their relationship that's hard to describe. What will become of these two friends?
- Author
- Li Yun Ji
- Artist
- Li Yun Ji
- Release Date
- March 16, 2018
- Genre
- Manhwa , Slice of Life , Romance , Comedy
- Where to Read
- Lezhin Comics
Aggregator: |
Rating Scores: |
---|---|
MyAnimeList |
8.12/10 |
Anime-Planet |
4.23/5 |
Goodreads |
4.30/5 |
Something About Us was written and illustrated by Lee Yunji. This romance manhwa has tons of fluff, as well as a friends-to-lovers romance. The story follows two childhood friends now in college, Da Gayoung and Han Woojin, who are often mistaken for a couple.
- Friends-to-lovers romance dynamic
- Childhood friends trope
- Lots of fluff & sweet moments
Although others see them as a perfect couple, they think of themselves as best friends. Because their relationship blurs the line between friends and lovers, they do not know how to describe it to themselves or others. By the end, their relationship takes tons of twists and turns.