The recent surge in the popularity of manhwa, particularly with notable series like All Of Us Are Dead, Solo Leveling, The God of High School, and Tower of God receiving their own anime and K-Drama adaptations, is paving the way to discover unique narratives that diverge from traditional manga. These titles explore diverse themes—from zombie apocalypses to high school superpowers and the mysteries of towering structures—showcasing the ingenuity within South Korean webtoons.
Updated on February 15, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As adaptations like Solo Leveling and Viral Hit gain traction, the allure of manhwa continues to grow. While popularity is on the rise, newcomers might still find themselves uncertain about where to begin their journey into this captivating medium. Here, we present some of the best manhwa for beginners that offer engaging stories and rich themes.
11.Familyman
An Everyday Superhero
- Author: Pillwon Jung
- Start Date: August 7, 2009
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Superhero, Slice of Life
- Number of Chapters: 41
For those venturing into manhwa, Familyman stands out as an excellent introduction. This short yet impactful tale emphasizes humor and emotional depth, illustrating that even brief narratives can resonate deeply. It follows Gang-ho, whose life takes a turn for the comedic as he navigates the challenges of unemployment and parenting after a factory accident leaves him scarred. To reconnect with his daughter, he embraces his alter ego, Gugu-Man, a hero without superpowers, striving to make a difference in the most amusing ways.
10.Cheese In The Trap
A Romance Manhwa Staple
- Author: Soonki
- Start Date: July 7, 2010
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
- Number of Chapters: 131
Cheese In The Trap has carved its name as a cornerstone of manhwa culture. This intricately woven romance follows the timid Hong Seol, who unexpectedly becomes embroiled in the spotlight when she receives accolades meant for the charming yet enigmatic Yoo Jung. As Jung draws closer, Seol uncovers the complexities beneath his polished facade, leading to a transformative exploration of love that flips the “warm girl, cold boy” trope on its head.
9.HIVE
A Unique Entry in the Invasion Genre
- Author: Kim Gyu-Sam
- Start Date: January 20, 2014
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Action, Suspense, Horror
- Number of Chapters: 243
When unprecedented giant killer bees descend upon humanity, panic ensues in the world of HIVE. The narrative centers on Lee Eun Sung, a middle-level manager thrust into chaos amidst a bug apocalypse. His relentless pursuit to safeguard his family catapults him into an adrenaline-fueled struggle for survival reminiscent of The Last of Us and The Walking Dead. With grounded optimism and personal stakes, HIVE offers a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic narrative.
8.What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?
A Blend of Laughter and Emotion
- Authors: Jeong Gyeong Yun, Kim Myeongmi
- Start Date: June 28, 2016
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Comedy, Workplace, Romance
- Number of Chapters: 98
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim invites readers into a world where comedic whimsy intertwines with character growth. As Kim Mi-so decides to resign from her role, her self-assured boss, Lee Yong-joon, becomes determined to win her back. This journey reveals their past traumas, effectively illuminating the complexities of their evolving relationship and showcasing the multifaceted narratives present in manhwa.
7.Wind Breaker
Perfect for Sports Enthusiasts
- Author: Yongseok Jo
- Start Date: December 8, 2013
- Status: Ongoing
- Genre: Sports, Action
- Number of Chapters: 530+
Wind Breaker serves as an engaging entry point for fans of sports manga. It follows Jay Jo, a diligent student who stumbles into the thrilling world of street biking. This manhwa beautifully balances Jay’s academic life with his developing passion for biking, further deepening as he gains recognition within the biking community. Unlike classic narratives focusing on underdogs, Jay’s journey from academic star to biking ace presents fresh perspectives in the sports genre.
6.Heesu In Class 2
A Delightful Boys Love Narrative
- Author: Lily
- Start Date: November 15, 2017
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Romance, Boys Love
- Number of Chapters: 81
For readers interested in LGBTQ+ narratives, Heesu In Class 2 offers a charming coming-of-age story enriched with romance. The narrative follows Heesu, who harbors a crush on his best friend Chanyeong while trying to maintain his supportive friend role. As rumors circulate about his love advice prowess, Heesu becomes a central figure in school dynamics, allowing for heartfelt interactions and character growth throughout the series.
5.Catharsis
An Engaging Dive Into Horror
- Author: Ahniki
- Start Date: March 3, 2015
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Fantasy, Psychological, Horror
- Number of Chapters: 182
Catharsis ventures into the psychological horror genre, providing a gripping narrative that explores fear in innovative ways. It follows Leon Mori, who grapples with synesthesia, allowing him to perceive sounds through vivid colors but also suffering through haunting nightmares. As Leon confronts dark realities manifested in his dreams, his collaboration with an organization tasked with battling inner demons takes center stage. The narrative’s realism and psychological insight create a profound reading experience.
4.True Beauty
A Beloved Manhwa with Adaptations
- Author: Yaongyi
- Start Date: April 3, 2018
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
- Number of Chapters: 257
True Beauty confronts societal perceptions of beauty through the story of Jugyeong Lim, who transforms her appearance with the help of makeup tutorials. As she gains popularity and receives attention from two attractive boys, her journey unfolds across themes of self-esteem, identity, and love. The manhwa reflects real-life struggles and aspirations, further popularized by its successful live-action adaptation, despite mixed reviews for its anime version.
3.The Breaker
A Top Choice for Shonen Enthusiasts
- Author: Jeon Geuk-jin
- Start Date: June 1, 2007
- Status: Complete (Original Series, with a Sequel Ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Number of Chapters: 72 (Original Series)
The Breaker is a highly regarded shonen series that immerses readers in the world of martial arts. The plot follows Shiwoon Yi, who, after witnessing his teacher Chunwoo Han’s incredible abilities, begs him to teach him self-defense to combat his bullying. This pursuit plunges Shiwoon into the hidden realm of the Murim, packed with legendary martial artists. The series not only boasts compelling fight scenes but also explores themes of honor, friendship, and overcoming adversity.
2.Nobility
An Engaging Overpowered Protagonist
- Author: Son Je-ho
- Start Date: December 30, 2007
- Status: Complete
- Genre: Vampire, Action, Supernatural, Comedy
- Number of Chapters: 544
Noblesse successfully captures the essence of an overpowered protagonist with a captivating storyline. The narrative revolves around Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, who awakens after centuries of slumber, re-establishing connections with humanity through his friendship with a group of high school students. As mysteries unfold and an elusive organization threatens his safety, the interplay between his supernatural prowess and everyday challenges provides a refreshing balance, making the narrative both entertaining and thought-provoking.
1.Solo Leveling
The Ultimate Introduction to Manhwa
- Author: Chugong
- Start Date: March 4, 2018
- Status: Complete (Original Series, with Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Ongoing)
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
- Number of Chapters: 201 (Original Series)
Solo Leveling has emerged as a defining title in the genre, capturing the hearts of fans globally. With its thrilling plot and dynamic characters, the story follows the underachieving Hunter Sung Jin-woo on his astounding journey from weakness to immense power. The series expertly intertwines action and character development, setting a high standard in manhwa that newcomers will find hard to match. Its adaptation success across various media underscores its significance within the realm of South Korean web novels.
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