Manhwa has been a huge hit among manga aficionados in recent years. Originating from South Korea, its popularity has expanded to North Korea and beyond. While manga is in black and white, manhwa is in full color and has a large following. It is catching up to a genre that Japan has dominated for years: comics. It is even starting to get anime adaptations. There are a lot of future manhwa that people anyone can read but there are only a few must-read Manhwa.
30 Must-Read Manhwa(Webtoon)
1. Tower of God, By SIU
The story revolves around a boy named Twenty-Fifth Bam, who has spent his entire life trapped beneath a mysterious tower with his only friend, Rachel. When Rachel enters the tower, Bam follows her, determined to find her and discover the secrets of the tower.
As Bam ascends the tower, he must face various challenges and obstacles, including deadly tests and powerful foes. Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and goals.
I will recommend you Tower of God for its intricate world-building and complex plot, as well as its unique art style. The series has been praised for its well-developed characters and compelling storytelling.
In addition to the webtoon, Tower of God has also been adapted into an anime series, which premiered in 2020. The anime has been well-received by fans and critics alike and has helped to further increase the popularity of the series.
2. Solo Levelling by Jang Su-Rak and Gi Si-Ryeong
In a world where hunters, humans who possess magical abilities, must battle deadly monsters to protect mankind from certain annihilation, a notoriously weak hunter named Sung Jinwoo finds himself in a seemingly endless struggle for survival.
One day, after narrowly surviving an overwhelmingly powerful double dungeon that nearly wipes out his entire party, a mysterious program called the System chooses him as its sole player and in turn, gives him the extremely rare ability to level up in strength and turn anyone he kills into a loyal minion called a shadow.
Jinwoo then sets out on a journey as he fights against all kinds of enemies, both man and monster, to discover the secrets of the dungeons and the true source of his powers.
Along the way, he must overcome his own weaknesses and learn to harness his newfound strength in order to protect the ones he loves and become the strongest hunter of them all.
3. The God of High School by Yongje Park
The God of High School is a popular South Korean webtoon written and illustrated by Yongje Park. It was first serialized on the Naver Webtoon platform in 2011 and gained massive popularity in a short time. The webtoon has since been adapted into an anime series too, which premiered in 2020.
The story follows a high school student named Jin Mori, who competes in a martial arts tournament called “The God of High School” with his friends Han Dae-Wi and Yu Mi-Ra. The winner of the tournament is granted any wish they desire, and the three friends are determined to win the tournament for their own personal reasons.
The series is known for its intense action scenes, diverse cast of characters, and incorporation of various mythologies and cultures into its plot. The characters are also memorable and well-developed, with each having their own unique fighting style and backstory.
4. Noblesse by Son Jeho and Lee Kwangsu
Noblesse tells the story of Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, a powerful Noblesse, a vampire noble of the highest rank, who has been asleep for 820 years. When he wakes up, he finds himself in a world that has changed drastically.
He now attends Ye Ran High School, where he befriends a group of humans, including his bodyguard Frankenstein, Yusuke Tashiro, Shinwoo Kim, and Seira Jindo.
Together, they must face the threats of the Union, a secret organization that seeks to control the Noblesse, and other powerful enemies. Along the way, Raizel learns more about the world he has awakened to and his own past.
Noblesse is a popular manhwa, and has been praised for its action, adventure, and fantasy elements. It has also been praised for its character development, particularly that of Raizel.
The manhwa has been adapted into a web animation series, which aired in 2016. A Japanese anime television series adaptation aired from October to December 2020.
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5. True Beauty by Yaongyi
True Beauty is a webtoon that has taken the world by storm. It follows the story of a high school girl named Ju Kyung who is insecure about her appearance. She starts using makeup to transform herself into a beautiful and confident girl, but the truth is, she’s still struggling with her self-image.
Here’s why It is a must-read webtoon for anyone; It Tackles Real-Life Issues, It Has a Powerful Message. Once you start reading True Beauty, it’s hard to stop. The plot is engaging and keeps you on the edge of your seat. You’ll find yourself invested in the characters and their stories.
6. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?, By JEONG GYEONG YUN & Kim MYEONGMI
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? is a popular Korean manhwa that has captured the hearts of many readers worldwide. It tells the story of Lee Young-joon, the narcissistic vice president of a large corporation, and his efficient secretary, Kim Mi-so.
The manhwa is a must-read for anyone interested in romantic comedy, office politics, and character development.
Lee Young-joon and Kim Mi-so have a unique dynamic that is both entertaining and heartwarming. The manhwa explores their relationship in-depth, showing how they complement each other despite their differences.
Another reason to read this manhwa is the way it tackles office politics. Lee Young-joon’s position as vice president puts him in a position of power, and the manhwa shows how he uses his influence to get what he wants.
Likewise, Kim Mi-so’s role as his secretary highlights the importance of administrative work and the challenges that come with it. Throughout the story, both Lee Young-joon and Kim Mi-so undergo personal growth and learn valuable life lessons. Their character arcs are realistic and relatable, making them easy to root for.
7. Omniscient Reader by Sing Shong
While the unconventional approach isn’t novel, the pacing and finely developed scenario and characters make Omniscient Reader a regular on top manhwa lists.
The story revolves around Kim Dokja, a lonely office worker who is obsessed with web novels and has become the final reader of the oppressed “Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse.”
Dojka receives a message of congratulations as the novel’s author releases the epilogue. And chaos erupts when the protagonist finds himself in a familiar setting: the novel’s first paragraph.
Dokja inadvertently enters the novel’s plot and becomes the sole person who understands the world is ending. Anticipating fans were pleased to discover previously-imagined characters and events illustrated in vibrant webtoon panels based on the popular web novel Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint.
A reader who appreciates thinking will be drawn to the manhwa’s concept. The thrilling adventure will hold your attention and make you root for Dokja and his band of survivors.
8. unOrdinary by Chelsey Han
The name of the protagonist, John Doe, corresponds to the false identity he initially projects: helpless and typical. But he becomes tired of it and chooses to become unOrdinary. John is dealing with a number of difficulties at school and within himself. He suppresses a monster within himself, content to live an ordinary school life.
Of course, circumstances prevent him from doing so, so he resolves to demonstrate his dominance by claiming the school’s throne. This is reminiscent of the popular manga My Hero Academia and Mob Psycho 100. John is a superpowered shounen protagonist who conceals his true potential.
And, as with Mob, any reader can deduce John’s mental state from visual evidence. And when he lets himself go, he employs the most effective deterrent: pure brutality.
9. The Beginning After the End by TurtleMe
The Beginning After the End is a popular webtoon series by TurtleMe. It is a fantasy story about a king who dies and is reincarnated into a world of magic and monsters. He is reborn as a baby in a new world with no memories of his past life. The story follows his journey of growing up and discovering his true powers.
The main character, Arthur Leywin, is a former king of a powerful kingdom. He was betrayed by his closest allies and killed in battle. However, instead of facing the afterlife, he is reborn as a baby in a new world. He is taken in by a couple who raise him as their own son. As Arthur grows up, he discovers that he has powerful abilities that he cannot explain.
The world that Arthur is reborn into is filled with magic and monsters. There are different races of people, each with their own unique abilities. Arthur learns that he is a rare type of person called a “Soul Master.”
Soul Masters have the ability to control magic and elements. Arthur’s journey is about discovering his true identity and learning to control his powers.
Along the way, Arthur makes new friends and allies who help him on his journey. He also faces many challenges and enemies who want to take advantage of his powers. The story is filled with action, adventure, and magic.
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10. Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
If you are a fan of comics, manga, or graphic novels, then you must add Lore Olympus to your reading list. This webtoon has taken the internet by storm and for all the right reasons.
Lore Olympus is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Hades and Persephone. Even if you are not familiar with Greek mythology, the story and the art will captivate you.
The story follows the love story of Hades and Persephone. Hades is the god of the underworld and Persephone is the goddess of spring. The story is set in a modern world where the gods and goddesses live among humans.
The author, Rachel Smythe, has done an excellent job of building the world of the gods, their relationships, their politics, and their daily lives.
What sets Lore Olympus apart from other comics and graphic novels is its stunning art. Rachel Smythe’s art is breathtaking, and each panel is a masterpiece. The colors, the details, and the expressions of the characters are a treat for the eyes. The art complements the story and elevates it to a whole new level.
Another reason why Lore Olympus is a must-read is its representation of mental health issues. The author has addressed issues like anxiety, depression, and trauma in a sensitive and relatable way. The characters in the story struggle with these issues, and their journeys are inspiring and heartwarming.
11. Wind Breaker by Yongseok Jo
Wind Breaker is a popular South Korean manhwa series, written and illustrated by Jo Yongseok. The series is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of a high school student named Jo Jaehyun, who has a passion for cycling.
Set in the fictional city of Incheon, South Korea, where Jaehyun and his friends start a cycling club called the “Wind Breakers.” Jaehyun’s love for cycling is fueled by his admiration for his father, who was a professional cyclist.
As the story progresses, Jaehyun and his friends face various challenges, including rival cycling clubs, injuries, and personal struggles. The characters in the series are well-developed, and readers can easily relate to their struggles and emotions.
One of the strengths of Wind Breaker is its depiction of the sport of cycling. The author has done a great job of capturing the technical aspects of cycling, including the different types of bikes, the gear used, and the various strategies employed by cyclists during races. This attention to detail makes the story more engaging and adds an extra layer of authenticity to the series.
The artwork in Wind Breaker is also impressive, with detailed character designs and dynamic action sequences. The use of shading and perspective creates a sense of motion and speed, adding to the excitement of the cycling scenes.
12. The Breaker Series by Jeon Geuk-jin and Park Jin-hwan
If you are a fan of martial arts, action, and adventure, The Breaker Series is a must-read manhwa for you. This thrilling series written by Jeon Geuk-jin and illustrated by Park Jin-hwan is set in modern-day Korea and follows the story of a timid high school teacher named Shi-Woon Yi.
Shi-Woon Yi’s life takes a dramatic turn when he meets Chun-Woo Han, a legendary martial arts master, and becomes his disciple. As Shi-Woon Yi learns the art of martial arts, he is forced to confront his fears and become a stronger person.
Along the way, he also faces dangerous enemies, including the dark martial arts organization, Murim, which seeks to control the world.
The Breaker Series is a perfect blend of action, drama, and suspense. The plot is well-developed, and the characters are complex and relatable. The series also explores themes such as friendship, loyalty, and redemption, making it a compelling read for anyone.
Additionally, the artwork in The Breaker Series is stunning. The illustrations are detailed and dynamic, making the fight scenes come to life. The characters are also well-drawn, and their emotions are conveyed effectively.
13. I Love Yoo by Quimchee
I Love Yoo is a popular webtoon series created by Quimchee, a Korean-American artist. The story revolves around a high school girl named Shin-ae, who has a difficult time fitting in and making friends.
One day, she crosses paths with two brothers, Kousuke and Yeong-gi Hirahara, who come from a wealthy and influential family. Shin-ae’s life takes a turn as she becomes entangled in their world, facing challenges and uncovering secrets along the way.
The webtoon has gained a huge following due to its relatable characters, engaging plot, and stunning artwork. Fans eagerly await each weekly update, and the series has amassed millions of readers worldwide.
14. The Gamer by Sangyoung Seong and Sang-A
The Gamer is a popular Korean webcomic/manhwa that has taken the world by storm. It follows the journey of Jihan Han, a high school student who discovers he has the ability to live his life like a video game character.
The storyline is captivating and keeps readers hooked from start to finish. How will you feel if you had the chance to live in your favorite game :)?
15. The Legend of the Northern Blade by Woo-Gak
The Legend of the Northern Blade is a South Korean manhwa written and illustrated by Woo-Gak. It was serialized in Naver Webtoon from 2017 to 2021, with the chapters collected and published in 15 volumes. The story follows Moo-Won, the son of the leader of the Northern Heavenly Sect, who is framed for his father’s death and forced to go into hiding.
He trains in the mountains to master the Northern Heavenly Sect’s martial arts and eventually returns to the mainland to avenge his father’s death and take down the villains who threaten to plunge the world into darkness.
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16. Sweet Home by Carnby Kim and Youngchan Hwang
If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most thrilling and unique stories in the genre.
Sweet Home follows the story of a young man named Cha Hyun-soo, who is forced to confront a world overrun by monsters. The catch? These monsters are actually manifestations of people’s inner desires and emotions, which makes them all the more terrifying.
But what sets Sweet Home apart from other horror stories is its focus on character development. The characters are well-written and complex, with each one struggling to come to terms with their own inner demons. And as the story progresses, we see them grow and change in unexpected ways.
17. Catharsis by Ahniki
Catharsis is a fantasy webtoon created by Ahniki, which was published on Naver Webtoon in 2018 and concluded on May 1, 2019. It follows the story of Leon, a young man who is haunted by his fear of death. When he is suddenly transported to a demonic realm called Catharsis, he must face his fears head-on in order to survive.
Catharsis is a must-read for fans of fantasy, action, and psychological thrillers. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
18. Just for Kicks by Josie Fox
Just for Kicks is a slice-of-life webtoon written and illustrated by Josie Fox. It follows the story of a group of college students who join the university’s Taekwondo club. The club is a motley crew of misfits and weirdos, but they quickly become friends as they train together and compete in tournaments.
19. The Remarried Empress by Alphatart and Sumpul
Romance and historical fiction fans The Remarried Empress is a must-read manhwa for you. This webtoon, written by Alphatart and illustrated by Sumpul, follows the story of Empress Navier, who is forced to divorce her husband, the Emperor, in order to make way for a new wife who can bear him a child.
The story takes a dramatic turn when Navier is transported back in time to her teenage years, where she is given a second chance to make things right and perhaps find love again. With a gripping plot, complex characters, and stunning artwork, this webtoon will keep you hooked from start to finish.
One of the best things about this manhwa is the way it subverts traditional gender roles and power dynamics. Navier is a strong and intelligent woman who refuses to be controlled by the men in her life.
Her story is a powerful reminder that women have agency and can make their own choices, even in a society that seeks to limit them.
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20. Villains Are Destined to Die by Gwon Gyeoeul
Villains Are Destined to Die is a popular Korean manhwa written by Gwon Gyeoeul and illustrated by Hyeono. The manhwa is a thrilling story that follows the life of a young woman named Seo Moonjo who is reincarnated into a world where villains are destined to die.
The story begins with Seo Moonjo waking up in the body of a young girl named Eris. Eris is the daughter of a wealthy family, but her life is far from perfect. She is abused by her father, neglected by her mother, and bullied by her siblings. When Eris tries to escape her miserable life, she is killed by her own family.
However, Seo Moonjo is given a second chance at life when she wakes up in Eris’ body. She quickly realizes that she is in a world where villains are destined to die. The world is divided into two groups: the heroes who protect the innocent, and the villains who prey on the weak.
Seo Moonjo decides to use her knowledge of the future to change her fate. She sets out on a mission to become a hero and protect the innocent, while also trying to avoid her inevitable death as a villain.
21. Girls of the Wild’s by Hun and Zhena
Written and illustrated by Hun and Zhena, the story revolves around a high school student named Jaegu Song who transfers to a new school, Wild’s High, where he finds out that the school is famous for its all-girls fighting competitions.
The manhwa depicts the struggles and challenges faced by Jaegu as he tries to adapt to his new environment while also dealing with personal issues such as his financial struggles and his troubled family background.
Throughout the story, Jaegu develops relationships with several female characters, including the school’s queen bee, Queen, and a talented fighter named Dal Dal Choi. As the story progresses, Jaegu becomes more involved in the school’s fighting competitions, which leads to intense battles and rivalries between the characters.
The manhwa has been praised for its strong character development, intense fight scenes, and exploration of themes such as gender roles and societal expectations. It has also been criticized for its occasional use of fanservice and for the portrayal of certain female characters as overly sexualized.
22. Season of Blossom by HONGDUCK and NEMONE
Seasons of Blossom is a romantic slice-of-life webtoon written and illustrated by Anoneko. It follows the story of four high school students: Bomi, a shy and awkward girl who is in love with her childhood friend, Jiwoo. Jiwoo is a popular and outgoing boy who is oblivious to Bomi’s feelings.
Dabin is a kind and caring boy who is Bomi’s best friend, and Seol is a mysterious and aloof boy who is new to the school.
The story begins with Bomi confessing her love to Jiwoo, but he rejects her. Heartbroken, Bomi decides to give up on her feelings for Jiwoo and focus on her friendship with Dabin. However, things get complicated when Seol enters the picture.
Seol is immediately drawn to Bomi, and she starts to develop feelings for him. If you’re looking for a new romance webtoon to read, I highly recommend Seasons of Blossom
23. My ID is Gangnam Beauty by Maenggi Ki
My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a captivating manhwa that has gained immense popularity among readers. The story revolves around a girl named Kang Mi-rae, who undergoes plastic surgery to alter her appearance. The manhwa explores the societal pressures of beauty standards and how it affects an individual’s self-esteem
It deals with heavy themes such as bullying, self-esteem issues, and mental health. The emotional depth of the story makes it a thought-provoking read that will stay with you long after you finish reading and relationships.
24. Dear X by VANZIUN
Ajin Baek is an award-winning actress. She possesses everything. She’s a stunning, award-winning actress, the public adores her, and she’s set to announce her engagement. On the night of the award presentation, however, a news program reveals the depravity beneath Ajin’s sparkling facade. How far was Ajin willing to travel to get to this point?
25. Death’s Game
He’s always unemployed, his ex-girlfriend has moved on, and he recently lost his entire life savings to a bitcoin fraud. Yijae Choi resolves to commit suicide as a result of societal pressures. Death comes to punish him for his casual attitude toward death by playing her game: he must suffer death 13 times in 13 different lives.
But if he can find a means to avoid the impending death of these souls, he will be able to live out their lives. His life was a flop, but what about the lives of others around him?
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26. Tales of the Unusual by Seongdae Oh
Tales of the Unusual is a Korean webtoon created by Seongdae Oh. The webtoon was first published in 2014 and has gained a lot of popularity among readers.
The webtoon is a collection of short horror stories that are bizarre, mind-bending, and often unpredictable like the Junji Ito Collection series. Each story is unique and has its own set of characters and plots. The stories range from supernatural to psychological horror and often leave the readers with a sense of unease.
One of the unique features of Tales of the Unusual is its use of interactive elements. The webtoon often includes puzzles or games that readers must solve to continue reading the story. This adds an extra layer of engagement and makes the reading experience more interactive and immersive.
27. Eleceed
Jiwoo is a kind-hearted young guy who covertly uses a cat’s lightning-quick reflexes to make the world a better place, one saved little child or foster pet at a time. Kayden is a fugitive secret agent trapped in the body of a…um…decidedly obese elderly fluffy cat.
Armed with Jiwoo’s superpowers and Kayden’s superintelligence, they set out to combat the forces that would allow evil to control the world. That is, if they can put up with each other long enough to finish the job.
28. The Sound of Your Heart by Cho Seok
The Sound of Your Heart is a popular South Korean webtoon, or manhwa, written and illustrated by Jo Seok. It was first published online in 2006 and has since gained a large following both in Korea and internationally.
The manhwa follows the daily life and adventures of its protagonist, Jo Seok, who is a cartoonist and the author’s alter ego. The stories are largely autobiographical and revolve around Jo Seok’s experiences with his family, friends, and colleagues.
One of the unique features of The Sound of Your Heart is its use of exaggerated humor and cartoonish illustrations. The characters are often depicted with exaggerated facial expressions and physical features, adding to the comedic effect of the stories.
Over the years, The Sound of Your Heart has been adapted into various forms of media, including a television drama series and a Netflix original series. Despite its popularity, the manhwa remains true to its roots, continuing to be published online with new episodes every week.
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29. It’s Mine by LuckS
Yohan Do knows everything there is to know about his crush, Dajeong. Where she sits in class, where she works after school… and even where she lives are all details. But, unable to approach her, he observes her every move from a distance and will go to any length to defend her. Anything.
30. The Horizon by Jeong Ji-Hoon
The majority of the population has been wiped off by a cataclysmic disaster. In a sea of dead bodies, a little boy encounters a girl. They keep trudging forward, bound together by their shared trauma, in the hope of finding a safe sanctuary. But, in a world that has lost its humanity, is there a safe haven?
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