THE BEST MANHWA You Have To Read

The manhwa shouldn’t really be disregarded and continue to provide great reading even in the year 2023, despite the fact that manga might have been a more popular narrative form.

In latest years, people who are interested in manga have seen a significant uptick in their consumption of manhwa. Manhwa is said to have started in South Korea; however, its popularity has since expanded not just to North Korea but also to other countries throughout the world. 

Although the manga is published in black and white, several types of manhwa are published in full color and are popular among readers.

The popularity of manga is approaching that of another medium that Japan has ruled for many years and that is comics. 

Even anime adaptations of manhwa are starting to become more common. Some people have to keep their eyes peeled for the many forthcoming manhwas that are coming soon.

15. The Star Seekers (2022)

23 Episodes (Ongoing)

A select group of HYBE’s artists each got their own kind of manhwa as part of the new venture the company is doing with Webtoon. The name of the webcomic created by Tomorrow X Together is The Star Seekers. The action takes place in a magical environment, and the five members of TXT are portrayed as members of an idol group named Star One.

  • The use of supernatural abilities makes for fascinating conflicts.
  • The heroes who will save the planet.
  • Perfect for supporters of Tomorrow X Together.

In this universe, people who possess magical abilities are revered beyond all others, while those who are powerless are relegated to the lowest rungs of society. 

Idols that lack any kind of magical power are condemned to fail. Star One is a band that doesn’t use magic at first, but during one performance, one of the members is brutally assaulted, and this leads to the rapid development of supernatural abilities in that member.

14. 7FATES: CHAKHO (2022)

A Prologue, followed by 27 Chapters (Ongoing)

In the earlier days, BTS created its own Webtoons, and one of them was even integrated into a handful of their mobile games that were based on the narrative in their albums. 

Nevertheless, 7FATES: CHAKHO is brand-new terrain, and even if you aren’t a devoted ARMY fan, you should still give it a go since it’s definitely worth reading.

  • Authentic parallels to events in Korean history.
  • Exquisite artwork that is rendered in full color.
  • Excellent for the BTS Army.

The manhwa makes a number of allusions to different aspects of Korean history and culture. 

The name “chakho” is a shortened version of the term “chakhogapsa,” which describes a group of trained tiger hunters that were established by King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty and the person responsible for the development of the Korean alphabet.

In addition, the term “beom,” which the protagonists in the narrative are looking for, is another way of saying “tiger.”

13. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? (2016)

98 Episodes (Completed)

What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? is the kind of manhwa that may be read many times throughout the course of one’s life and the experience will never change. 

The protagonist, Kim Mi-so, is a flawless secretary who works for an egotistical and fastidious employer named Lee Young-Joon. The plot follows Kim Mi-so as she goes about her daily duties.

  • Dedicated to love and courtship.
  • Excellent material for repeated reading.

Nevertheless, when Kim Mi-so comes to the conclusion that she needs a break and intends to concentrate on her personal life, she makes the decision to terminate her employment. At this juncture, Lee Young-Joon starts to get a glimpse of the full scope of her value, not just as an employee but also perhaps as something more.

12. Dark Moon: The Blood Altar (2022)

26 Episodes (Ongoing)

Enhypen is the main character of Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, which is the third volume of HYBE’s ongoing manhwa project. Those who like gloomy shojo or anime about vampires will probably appreciate this one. 

In spite of the fact that it employs cliches and tropes that have been used much too often, it does it in a manner that does not seem worn out. It gives off a warm and fuzzy feeling, and it makes the audience interested in Sooha’s narrative.

  • Mystical aspects, like vampires.
  • Simple to appreciate for shojo readers.
  • Excellent for those who support Enhypen.

When Sooha has enrolled at Decelis Academy, the webcomic recounts her adventures there. Since a vampire was responsible for the death of her childhood buddy, she views the school’s zero-tolerance stance for vampires as particularly significant.

But despite this, Sooha identifies herself as caught in the middle of the love triangle created by the 7 vampires who are all vying for her attention.

11. Misaeng: An Incomplete Life (2012)

5 Specials on top of 293 Chapters (Ongoing)

Those who are searching for a wonderful place to begin reading manhwa should go no further than Misaeng: An Incomplete Life since it is a real masterpiece and will not disappoint. The protagonist of this show is a trader by the name of Jang Geu-Rae, who works with a team of other people at a corporation named One International.

  • The atmosphere and the ideas are both approachable.
  • Describes a traditional game played on a board in China
  • Useful for those who are just starting out in manhwa.

The story of Misaeng: An Incomplete Life focuses on the difficulties people face, and one of the main characters, Jang Geu-Rae, uses the Chinese board game baduk, which is more often known as “Go,” as a way to work through his issues and find solutions.

10. Cheese In The Trap (2010)

34 volumes with a total of 297 chapters (Completed)

Soonkki is responsible for both the writing and the illustrations seen in Cheese in the Trap. This year is the perfect moment to start reading this legendary manhwa for those who haven’t done so before. The narrative is presented in three distinct seasons, thus there is a substantial amount of material to read.

  • A considerable deal of sexual and romantic tension.
  • Dynamic of adversaries becoming lovers.
  • A classic example of manhwa that is accessible to new readers.

The life of the gorgeous and hard-working college student Seol Hong gets more challenging once she learns about the shadowy side of her senior classmate, Jung Yoo. 

Initially, she was intent on exposing his double-dealing and reclaiming her life; nevertheless, she and he eventually developed feelings for one another and started dating.

9. The Gamer (2013)

431 Episodes (Ongoing)

The author of The Gamer is Seong Sang Yeong, while Sang-A is responsible for the illustrations. Fans of this particular manhwa are holding out hope that it will be adapted into an anime series. 

Jee-Han is a huge fan of video games, so you can imagine his surprise when he unexpectedly realizes he has the ability to navigate the actual world as he does in a role-playing game.

  • A character that is likable and simple to cheer for.
  • Plenty of hostile opponents to engage in thrilling skirmishes with.
  • Aesthetics of video games designed to attract game players.

Jee-Han is capable of acquiring talents, leveling up, and even seeing the levels of other persons as well as the state of objects. Nevertheless, this power is not exactly conducive to tranquility. There are enemies who must be vanquished in the same manner as in a real-life role-playing game, and there are others that have the same powers as Jee-Han but are much more potent in their execution.

8. Leveling Up My Husband To The Max (2021)

56 Episodes (Ongoing)

Among the most common plot devices used in romantic comedies is the marriage being predetermined by a third party. 2 individuals who despise each other to the core are coerced into being married, yet over time they begin to develop affection for one another.

  • The use of time travel enables the main character to relive her former experiences.
  • Ideal for readers of shojo novels.
  • The cliche of the arranged marriage romance.

Amber is put on trial for murder, and the story of Leveling Up My Husband to the Max, an original Webtoon, chronicles her journey to the death chamber. 

She thought back on the previous 10 years of her life and is filled with regret over the way she spent her life up until she was framed by the emperor. However, rather than being put to death, Amber is sent back in time to her younger self on the day of her wedding when she was 20 years old.

7. Girls of The Wild’s (2011)

260 Chapters (Completed)

Hun is responsible for the writing, while Zhena is responsible for the illustrations in Girls of the Wild. This series is guaranteed to pique the curiosity of viewers who want to watch harem-themed anime and read the harem-themed manga. 

Although Wild’s High has a history of 42 years as a private fighting school for only females, it has just lately transitioned into a school that welcomes students of both sexes.

  • The scenario is a school play, and there is a lot of tension.
  • Contains mixed martial arts fighting.
  • The perfect choice for the harem and shojo aficionados alike.

When Song Jae Gu, the lone male student, is presented with the opportunity to accept a scholarship that does not rely on his academic performance for the next three years, he does so. 

However, upon unintentionally drawing the wrath of Queen, the champion of Wild’s League, his life at school becomes far more complex than he had anticipated it would be. This manhwa is one that readers who liked My Dress-Up Darling or Rent-A-Girlfriend are quite likely to like reading.

6. Noblesse

50 Episodes (Completed)

Since Noblesse is a manhwa that has been adapted into an anime that can be seen on Crunchyroll, this is definitely something that you should check out. An original video animation was produced for it before it was finished, and it is currently getting a full-fledged anime version. 

The narrative, which was written by Jeho Son and drawn by Kwangsu Lee, is an original take on the familiar tales of vampires and Frankenstein.

  • Retells and reimagines traditional tales of terrifying creatures.
  • There will be plenty of fascinating activities.
  • Crunchyroll has hosted an anime version of the series.

After sleeping for 820 years, Rai discovers that the world has undergone significant changes during his absence. Together with his devoted servant, Frankenstein, he makes the decision to start a new chapter in his life and get acclimated to the norms of contemporary society. 

On the other hand, things aren’t tranquil because a group of individuals who call themselves “The Unions” are on the offensive.

5. A Business Proposal (2018)

Introduction & 124 Episodes (Completed)

Anyone who has been paying attention to fandoms devoted to Korean dramas over the last several months has most likely been familiar with the show Business Proposal. 

Because of the recent success of the Korean drama based on this manhwa, now is an excellent time to begin reading the manhwa in order to pass the time until the next episode.

  • Comedienne romantique.
  • Setting for a love story with an office theme.
  • Get its own Korean drama adaption.

After Hari makes the decision to accompany her best friend on a blind date, the events of the Business Proposal begin to unfold. In addition, Hari sought to put a stop to marriages that were not the result of free will. Hari first believed that it would be simple to make money from it, but she soon learned that it would not be that straightforward. Later she gets to meet Taemu, the new CEO of her firm, and their relationship blossoms. Because he is in the same predicament as you, the two of you decide to act as if you are dating.

4. The Druid Of Seoul Station (2021)

62 Episodes (Ongoing)

Isekai and science fiction aficionados will not be disappointed with The Druid of Seoul Station as their next read. Suho, a regular person from Seoul, is the protagonist of this story. 

Initially, all he does is go about his regular routines like any other day. Afterward, he undergoes an isekai that transports him to a horrible existence. Monsters are not contained, since there are two moons in the sky.

  • Storytelling is both dynamic and keeps readers interested.
  • Lots of bloodshed and exciting moments.
  • Isekai and science fiction aficionados will like this work a lot.

There is nothing else like like The Druid Of Seoul Station on the market today. When Suho finally makes it back to his world, he learns to his horror that his planet has been taken over by the exact creatures he fled from. 

It has a lot of bloody action in it, and the narration is quite dynamic. When readers get started on this tale, they won’t be capable of putting it down until they’ve finished it.

3. Solo Leveling (2018)

180 Episodes (Completed)

Chugong is responsible for the writing of Solo Leveling, while Gee So-Lyung and Redice Studio are responsible for the illustrations. Many readers have been engrossed in the tale of this manhwa, thus it’s possible that some people have seen it. 

It is centered on a book with the exact title, as are a large number of another manhwa, and it has received accolades for its fantasy setting as well as its excellent action.

  • Aesthetics in video games that are appealing to players.
  • A determined character that is ready to achieve their full potential.
  • Got compliments for both its surroundings and its events.

The E-rank Hunter Sung Jin-Woo is the focal point of the Solo Leveling experience. He stumbles onto a dungeon that no one else can access or level up to save himself. His objective is to get an S-rank, which is the highest possible ranking in the Hunter profession.

2. Tower of God, (2010)

550 Episodes (Ongoing)

If you haven’t read Tower of God before or if you don’t recall much about it, this is the moment to do so. Regardless of whether someone thinks they recall everything, it is still beneficial to go back and review everything. 

This exquisite piece of manhwa has been adapted into an original animation by Crunchyroll. This manhwa, which is very possibly one of the longest-running ones currently available, has a fascinating narrative to tell.

  • Thrilling narrative.
  • Excellent turns in the story.
  • Has been adapted into an anime series.

Tower of God has been airing since 2010 and shows no indication of coming to an end any time in the near future. Each season of the show is divided into its own standalone story arc. 

After the initial season of Tower of God came to a conclusion, a significant number of the show’s fans are holding out hope that there would be a 2nd season that will explore the real beginning of Bam’s narrative.

1. 66,666 Years: Advent Of The Dark Mage (2021)

57 Episodes (Ongoing)

The story of 66,666 Years: Advent of the Dark Mage was adapted from a web book written by Hwabong and published under the same name. Upon being imprisoned in limbo by 12 unnamed gods for a continuous period of 66,666 years, the protagonist of the novel is a dark wizard who goes by name Diablo. After that, he was reborn into a kind and welcoming family.

  • Retribution storyline.
  • Narrative with an emphasis on magic and fantasy.
  • The protagonist dares to defy the gods.

Even though he is now known by the name Jamie Welton, he retains all of the recollections from his previous life and has preserved his traditional demeanor. Since then, he has been plotting his vengeance against the twelve gods who were responsible for his exile for tens of thousands of years.

Conclusion

This article covers the best manhwa that you should read, so if you are a manga lover, give it a shot.