While manga has inspired readers worldwide, South Korea’s Manhwa series are equally impressive, offering stunning artwork, immersive stories, and unique cultural themes. Looking for a complete list of the best Manhwa series of all time? For those unfamiliar with Manhwa, now’s the perfect time to explore these Korean comics and Webtoon series.
Many popular titles have even been adapted into anime, like the action-packed Solo Leveling and the romantic isekai Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion. But there’s more to discover. From thrilling adventures like The Breaker to heartfelt romances like Cheese in the Trap.
Whether you’re new to manhwa or a seasoned reader, our ranked list of must-read series has something for everyone. Which titles would you recommend? Let us know in the comments below!
16. The Greatest Estate Developer
Creators: Lee Hyunmin (Story), Kim Hyunsoo (Art)
Genres: Fantasy, Isekai, Comedy
Storyline: The Greatest Estate Developer is an isekai and fantasy manhwa that tells the story of Lloyd Belladonna, a manipulative noble known for his laziness and bad habits. After being mysteriously reincarnated in a fantasy world, Lloyd finds himself burdened with a massive debt and an estate on the brink of collapse.
Unlike traditional isekai manhwa protagonists who wield powerful magic or brute strength, Lloyd relies on modern engineering knowledge to survive. Using construction, architecture, and clever planning, Lloyd revitalizes his failing estate, all while manipulating powerful nobles and dodging rival threats.
His sharp wit, cunning schemes, and bold personality turn mundane tasks like building roads, designing irrigation systems, and restoring farmland into thrilling moments of strategy. As Lloyd’s influence grows, he faces corrupt officials, dangerous enemies, and unexpected alliances that threaten to unravel his carefully constructed plans.
Why Should You Read It? With clever world-building, strategic brilliance, and a comedic edge, The Greatest Estate Developer offers a unique spin on the isekai genre, trading swords and magic for engineering mastery.
15. Lookism
Creators: Park Tae-Jun
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Slice of Life
Storyline: Lookism follows Daniel Park, an overweight and socially outcast high school student who faces relentless bullying. One morning, Daniel wakes up to discover he has gained a second body which is tall, fit, and undeniably attractive.
By day, Daniel lives in his handsome body, experiencing a life of popularity and privilege. By night, he returns to his original body, facing the harsh realities of discrimination and rejection. As Daniel navigates these two contrasting identities, he learns hard lessons about beauty standards, class divides, and the struggles of self-acceptance.
The manhwa’s gripping social commentary, emotional storytelling, and complex characters elevate it beyond typical school drama narratives. With compelling side plots featuring gang violence, social injustice, and family struggles, Lookism captures the realities of inequality and bullying in a powerful way.
Why Should You Read It? Blending comedy, drama, and deep social themes, Lookism is a thought-provoking series that resonates with readers from all walks of life and is great for beginners to watch.
14. The Boxer
Creators: JH
Genres: Sports, Psychological, Drama
Storyline: The Boxer follows Yu, a quiet and emotionally detached teenager who seems destined for failure. With no motivation or sense of purpose, Yu drifts through life until a determined boxing coach recognizes his raw talent.
Yu’s unnatural precision, perfect reflexes, and terrifying composure turn him into a rising star in professional boxing. However, unlike most fighters who are driven by passion or ambition, Yu shows no emotion, even a victory holds no meaning for him.
The series dives deep into Yu’s psychological struggles, exploring themes of trauma, emptiness, and the cost of greatness. Each of Yu’s opponents is given meaningful backstories that add emotional weight to their matches. Instead of glorifying victory, The Boxer examines the mental and emotional toll of relentless competition. If you like Hajime No Ippo, then The Boxer is a fantastic recommendation!
Why Should You Read It? The Boxer combines intense boxing action with powerful psychological drama, delivering an emotional story about perseverance and inner demons.
13. Noblesse
Creators: Son Jeho & Lee Kwangsu
Genres: Supernatural, Action, Drama
Storyline: After sleeping for over 800 years, Rai, a powerful vampire noble, awakens in modern society. While adjusting to this unfamiliar world, Rai enrolls in high school to blend in. However, his peaceful life is soon disrupted by secret organizations hunting supernatural beings.
With his loyal servant Frankenstein and a group of human friends by his side, Rai faces powerful enemies while unraveling the mystery behind his long slumber. As rogue agents, enhanced soldiers, and dark forces emerge, Rai’s overwhelming strength and noble status become key to maintaining order.
Noblesse is a manhwa series that masterfully blends slice-of-life humor with intense supernatural action. Rai’s quiet yet powerful presence creates unforgettable moments of tension, while his unwavering loyalty to his friends adds emotional depth.
Why Should You Read It? For fans seeking thrilling battles, supernatural elements, and humorous moments, Noblesse delivers a perfect balance of action and heart.
12. Eleceed
Creators: Jeho Son & ZHENA
Genres: Action, Comedy, Superpowers
Storyline: Jiwoo is a kind-hearted high school student with an extraordinary gift: lightning-fast reflexes. After saving a stray cat, Jiwoo discovers that the cat is actually Kayden, a powerful agent trapped in feline form.
Kayden takes Jiwoo under his wing, training him to survive in the secret world of Awakeners. These are individuals with powerful abilities. Jiwoo’s growth is accelerated by Kayden’s harsh yet effective mentorship. Throughout his journey, Jiwoo faces dangerous enemies, powerful organizations, and internal struggles as he learns to master his abilities.
Eleceed excels in blending fast-paced action with heartfelt moments of friendship. Jiwoo’s compassionate nature and Kayden’s grumpy yet caring demeanor create a memorable dynamic that balances comedy with thrilling battles.
Why Should You Read It? With its lovable characters, comedic charm, and exhilarating superpower fights, Eleceed is an entertaining must-read for action fans.
11. Viral Hit
Creators: Taejun Park
Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama
Storyline: Hobin Yu is an outcast student struggling to survive at school and home. After discovering a viral fighting channel on social media, Hobin learns that he can earn money by winning street fights and uploading the footage online.
Lacking any fighting skills, Hobin relies on unconventional techniques and online tutorials to win fights. As his fame grows, Hobin is forced to face powerful enemies while balancing the toxic pressure of online fame.
Viral Hit is an action manhwa that skillfully combines gritty fight scenes with meaningful commentary on bullying, social exploitation, and internet culture. Hobin’s transformation from a powerless victim to a determined fighter is both emotional and empowering.
Why Should You Read It? With its mix of street fights, social commentary, and character growth, Viral Hit delivers a powerful and emotionally charged story.
10. Wind Breaker
Creators: Yongseok Jo
Genres: Sports, Drama, Slice of Life
Storyline: Jay is a disciplined, high-achieving student with quiet behavior, but behind his calm expression lies a passion for cycling. When Jay joins his school’s elite biking team, he’s thrust into the world of intense underground racing.
Jay’s disciplined nature is tested as he faces fierce rivalries, brutal competitions, and personal struggles. Each race pushes Jay closer to his physical and emotional limits, forcing him to question his identity and values.
Wind Breaker is a sports manhwa that is visually stunning, with dynamic race sequences that capture the speed and excitement of competitive cycling. Emotional messages about family, friendships, and finding purpose elevate the series beyond a simple sports narrative.
Why Should You Read It? With high-energy racing sequences and powerful character growth, Wind Breaker offers an exhilarating sports manhwa experience.
9. Ordeal
Creators: Brent Bristol
Genres: Action, Superpowers, Drama
Storyline: In a world where beings known as Kaijin possess extraordinary abilities, Che is a powerful member of this marginalized race. Despite his immense strength, Che struggles with discrimination, social tension, and internal conflict.
As powerful enemies appear, Che faces overwhelming threats while learning to embrace his true power. The series explores themes of identity, oppression, and overcoming adversity, blending emotional depth with intense superpower battles.
Why Should You Read It? For fans of action-packed manhwa who love great character development, then Ordeal offers you what you look for.
8. The Breaker
Creators: Jeon Geuk-Jin & Park Jin-Hwan
Genres: Martial Arts, Action, Drama
Storyline: Shi-Woon is a bullied student who unknowingly becomes the disciple of Chun-Woo, a powerful martial artist. He then is thrown into the dangerous world of underground martial arts. Shi-Woon’s journey is defined by brutal training, powerful enemies, and the struggle to protect those he loves.
As Shi-Woon’s skills grow, he’s drawn into powerful martial arts conflicts, facing conspiracies and betrayal. The emotional bond between Shi-Woon and his mentor Chun-Woo adds emotional weight to the series. As a result, you have balanced intense fight sequences with heartfelt moments.
Why Should You Read It? With rich martial arts lore, strategic battles, and compelling character growth, The Breaker is an epic martial arts manhwa that fans won’t want to miss.
7. Doom Breaker
Creators: Cheong Dam & Redice Studio
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Apocalyptic
Storyline: In Doom Breaker, Zephyr is humanity’s last warrior, killed while fighting gods and monsters in a ruined world. Given a second chance at life, Zephyr awakens in the past and trains relentlessly to stop the apocalypse.
This is a fantastic Manwha series with epic fight scenes, powerful redemption themes, and breathtaking animation.
Doom Breaker combines dark fantasy with emotional storytelling.
Why Should You Read It? Doom Breaker is an essential read for readers who love intense battles, fascinating revenge plots, and apocalyptic themes.
6. Nano Machine
Creators: Han Joong-Wueol Ya & Geum Gangbulgoe
Genres: Martial Arts, Sci-Fi, Action
Storyline: Nano Machine follows Cheon Yeo-Woon, an outcast in the powerful Demonic Cult. As the illegitimate son of the cult’s leader, Yeo-Woon is marked for death by his power-hungry half-siblings.
Desperate to survive, Yeo-Woon’s fate changes when a mysterious figure claiming to be his descendant from the future implants a Nano Machine in his body. This is a futuristic device designed to enhance his strength, intelligence, and reflexes.
The Nano Machine rapidly transforms Yeo-Woon’s weak body into that of a formidable warrior. With his newfound power, Yeo-Woon embarks on a journey to climb the ranks of his dangerous clan. Along the way, he faces assassination attempts, rival martial arts sects, and powerful enemies seeking to destroy him.
The Nano Machine’s guidance system adds a tactical edge to Yeo-Woon’s growth, while the political tension within the Demonic Cult adds layers of intrigue.
Why Should You Read It? For fans of martial arts manhwa with strategic elements and sci-fi influences, Nano Machine delivers intense battles, mind games, and thrilling character growth.
5. Legend of the Northern Blade
Creators: Woo-Gak
Genres: Martial Arts, Revenge, Action
Storyline: After the tragic fall of the Northern Heavenly Sect, Jin Mu-Won becomes the lone survivor of his family’s martial arts legacy. The sect was once powerful, but corrupt forces manipulated its downfall. Branded a traitor and forced to live in isolation, Jin dedicates his life to mastering the lost techniques of his ancestors.
As Jin emerges from seclusion, he steps into a dangerous world dominated by warlords, assassins, and treacherous martial artists. His quest for revenge drives him to face those responsible for his father’s murder and the destruction of his sect.
What sets Legend of the Northern Blade apart is its stunning artwork and immersive storytelling. The dark, atmospheric panels heighten the tension, while Jin’s stoic yet emotional journey creates a powerful connection with readers.
Why Should You Read It? With breathtaking fight scenes, a rich revenge narrative, and a powerful protagonist, Legend of the Northern Blade offers one of the most immersive martial arts manhwa experiences.
4. Tower of God
Creators: SIU
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
Storyline: Tower of God follows Bam, a boy who has spent most of his life in isolation beneath a mysterious Tower. When his closest friend Rachel enters the Tower to fulfill her dreams, Bam follows her. Only to discover that the Tower is a dangerous world filled with ancient magic, powerful beings, and twisted politics.
Each floor of the Tower presents unique challenges that test Bam’s strength, intelligence, and emotional resolve.
From battling ferocious monsters to surviving manipulative rulers known as “Rankers,” Bam’s journey reveals dark secrets about the Tower’s true purpose.
The series thrives on its expansive mythology, complex character dynamics, and plot twists. Bam’s relationships with allies and enemies explore themes of betrayal, friendship, and identity.
Why Should You Read It? With its massive world-building, unpredictable story arcs, and emotionally charged character development, Tower of God is a masterclass in dark fantasy storytelling available on Crunchyroll.
3. The Beginning After the End
Creators: TurtleMe & Fuyuki23
Genres: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Storyline: Arthur Leywin was once King Grey, a powerful ruler in a world dominated by strength and military might. However, after dying in his previous life, he’s reincarnated in a new world filled with magic, mythical beasts, and dark conspiracies. Determined to live a better life, Arthur is born into a loving family and quickly discovers his rare magical potential.
As Arthur trains in swordsmanship, martial arts, and powerful magic, he faces powerful enemies and political schemes that threaten the peace of his world. Alongside his family and friends, Arthur must balance his growing power with responsibility. And that while dark forces plot to drag him into war.
What makes The Beginning After the End stand out is its emotional depth.
Arthur’s moments of self-reflection, family bonding, and internal conflict add richness to the story, while his rise in power keeps the action intense and thrilling. The Beginning After the End’s first anime season is set to premiere on April 2, 2025.
Why Should You Read It? With a balance of heartfelt storytelling, magical growth, and intense battles, The Beginning After the End is an exceptional fantasy manhwa that explores themes of redemption and responsibility.
2. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint
Creators: singNsong & Sleepy-C
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Storyline: Kim Dokja was an ordinary office worker whose life revolved around his favorite web novel, Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World. But when the novel’s apocalyptic setting becomes reality, Kim is the only person who knows how events will unfold.
Armed with his extensive knowledge of the novel’s plot, Kim navigates dangerous “scenarios” as challenges operated by mysterious beings known as dokkaebi. These life-threatening events force survivors to manipulate, deceive, or ally with others to survive.
While Kim possesses no special powers, his strategic thinking and deep understanding of the novel’s characters allow him to manipulate events, outsmart enemies, and alter the fate of the world.
As he allies with the novel’s true protagonist, Yoo Joonghyuk, Kim’s knowledge constantly puts him in morally complex situations that challenge his beliefs.
Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint excels in its unpredictable twists, psychological depth, and commentary on free will and fate.
Why Should You Read It? For readers who enjoy detailed world-building, clever protagonists, and mind-blowing plot twists, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is an unforgettable experience.
1. Solo Leveling
Creators: Chugong & DUBU
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Dungeon Crawler
Storyline: In a world where hunters enter dangerous dungeons to slay monsters for profit, Sung Jin-Woo is known as the weakest hunter alive with an E-Rank. Constantly mocked and risking his life for minimal pay, Jin-Woo’s life changes when he survives a deadly dungeon raid that nearly wipes out his entire party.
Barely escaping death, Jin-Woo gains access to a mysterious system that allows him to level up, a power no other hunter possesses. Determined to grow stronger, Jin-Woo trains relentlessly, rapidly rising from the weakest hunter to one of the world’s most powerful beings in the world.
As Jin-Woo’s strength grows, he faces powerful guilds, mythical creatures, and dark forces threatening humanity.
The deeper mystery behind the Gates and the hidden truth about Jin-Woo’s power add layers of tension and conspiracy to the story.
What makes Solo Leveling exceptional is its exhilarating power progression, cinematic fight sequences, and emotionally charged character development. This manhwa series already became an immediate success, broke Crunchyroll records, and won the 2024 Anime of the Year award.
Why Should You Read It? There are breathtaking visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a satisfying underdog-to-hero arc.
Solo Leveling has become a global phenomenon and remains one of the greatest manhwa series to date.
