These days, manhwas have been getting more and more popular. Many of them get millions of reads online, while some are even popular enough to get K-drama or movie adaptations!
From heart-stopping romance stories to action-packed adventures, manhwas come in every genre you can think of. They’re the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new world and get lost in the storyline. If you’re looking for your next great read, then look no further.
The 20 Best Manhwa Of All Time
Feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start? We feel you! Nowadays, with all the apps dedicated to manhwas, it can get overwhelming when you’re faced with literally thousands of choices! But don’t worry, here we’ve compiled just 20 of the most addicting and immersive manhwas you could find.
And even if you’re already a certified manhwa addict, we’re sure you can still get something new from our list. We’ve collected manhwas from all sorts of genres, so there’s really something for everyone. Without further ado, we present the 20 best manhwas of all time!
- True Beauty by Yaongyi
- Just For Kicks by Josie Fox
- The God of High School by Jongje Park
- Wind Breaker by Yongseok Jo
- Let’s Play by Mongie
- Semantic Error by Jeosuri
- I Love Yoo by Quimchee
- Always Human by walkingnorth
- Yeon Lok Heun by Han Su Yeong
- Unrequited Love Skill by Teunteun and Carbonara
- Cheese in the Trap by Soonkki
- Heesu in Class 2 by Lily
- Shall We Have Dinner Tonight by Park See-In
- The Strongest Florist by Hyun Hoo Joo and Kumtata
- Hive by Kyusam Kim
- Noblesse by Jeho Son and Kwangsu Lee
- Dead Days by DEY
- Tower of God by SIU
- Sweet Home by Carnby Kim and Youngchan Hwang
- Plum by Samkimart
1. True Beauty by Yaongyi
We’re starting things off with a true fan favorite. True Beauty is a highly successful manhwa that even has its own drama adaptation starring Hallyu superstars Cha Eun-Woo, Hwang In-Youp, and Moon Ga-Young.
But what exactly makes this story so popular? Well, just one chapter in and you’ll understand why this manhwa is so widely beloved!
True Beauty follows Lim Joo-Kyung, an awkward teenage girl who always gets bullied because of her looks and unconventional hobbies. After a particularly nasty incident, Joo-Kyung vows that she won’t stand being picked on any longer.
She goes home and starts binge-watching beauty vloggers, taking in all their helpful advice and applying them to her own beauty regimen. When high school rolls around, the nerdy and awkward Joo-Kyung is nowhere to be found. Instead, she has transformed into a true goddess of beauty!
She’s met with instant popularity. But her picture-perfect facade starts to crumble when the most handsome boy at school sees her–with absolutely no makeup on!
True Beauty is a true classic. It balances being funny and lighthearted while still talking about serious topics like Korean beauty standards. And above all, it’s a totally swoon-worthy story that will give you butterflies for sure! With themes of loneliness, friendship, and self-discovery, True Beauty is everything a youth manhwa should be.
2. Just for Kicks by Josie Fox
When we think of sports stories, we usually think of those intense and action-filled ones, where every game feels like life or death. But with Just For Kicks, we see another side of sports: one where it’s more about teamwork than competition and more about friends than rivals.
In Just For Kicks, we follow a group of amateur taekwondo athletes as they train and get to know one another. As they share their lives together and eventually become friends, they also get to share in each other’s ups and downs.
The bite-sized chapters filled with charming illustrations and endearing characters make this manhwa a wholesome and comforting read. Just For Kicks is exactly the kind of lighthearted story that would appeal to both sports fans and non-sports fans alike!
3. The God of High School by Jongje Park
Our next manhwa pick is the exciting and adventure-filled The God of High School. Set in three different worlds (the worlds of humans, demons, and gods), we follow 17-year-old martial artist Mori Jin. When he’s invited to take part in the tournament called “The God of High School,” he doesn’t know that he’s about to be swept up in a whirlwind of action and supernatural powers.
In this tournament, competitors can “borrow” power from the gods so they can duel it out on the regional, national, and eventually international levels. But why do people choose to go through such a violent and deadly competition, you ask? Well, it’s simple. The winner gets to have whatever they want.
Yes, whatever they want! The competition is funded by a mysterious and powerful host corporation that can grant the winner their deepest desires and wildest dreams. Who wouldn’t fight for a chance to achieve that?
The God of High School is where martial arts meet myths and folklore. It’s an action-packed tale with great worldbuilding and a well-written magic system that’s made its mark on manhwa history. If you were unimpressed with the anime adaptation of The God of High School, don’t worry because we can guarantee that the source material is a hundred times better!
You May Also Like: Best Action Manhwa Worth Reading
4. Wind Breaker by Yongseok Jo
Many manhwas that are set in high school fall into the common trope of bullying. While it can be fun to read if executed well, it can also get a little repetitive for avid manhwa readers. But that’s where Wind Breaker is different.
Instead of being about bullying and revenge, this manhwa asks deeper questions about what “success” means, especially for a young man. Our main character, Jay, is the golden boy. In high school, he gets straight As and is even the student body president. He’s right on the path toward success, or at least the kind of traditional success he’s been taught at a young age.
But this worldview is shattered when he gets roped into joining the school biking team. Here, he discovers that there’s more to life than just getting high grades and studying. With a newfound family by his side, Jay begins to question what he truly wants to do with his life.
Wind Breaker is a warm journey about youth and self-discovery. Its clean artwork and relatable characters will have you flying through the pages faster than Jay can ride his bike!
5. Let’s Play by Mongie
This next manhwa is another fan favorite–and for good reason! Let’s Play is a modern-day Pride and Prejudice that has all of the romance without the boring Regency Era!
Let’s Play follows Sam, a young and single aspiring game developer. Just when she is on the verge of achieving her lifelong dream, a popular gamer leaves a nasty review of her newly-launched game! Sam’s reputation is no match for this gamer’s huge following. This comment could mean the end of her career!
Things get even worse when she finds out that this popular game reviewer is none other than her new neighbor! Let’s Play is a fun romp from start to finish, capturing modern-day internet culture at its finest.
The entertaining romcom-like plot is only the beginning. Let’s Play also serves up plenty of character development, deep inner struggles, and of course, no story is complete without a bunch of adorable puppies! We definitely recommend Let’s Play for those looking for a light yet impactful read.
6. Semantic Error by Jeosuri
School group projects. We’ve all been there, we all know how bad it can get when you’re grouped together with a bunch of people you don’t know–especially if they turn out to be freeloaders!
In Semantic Error, our main character Chu Sangwoo deals with just that. His rigid and analytical personality is put to the test when he gets grouped with a bunch of freeloaders. After doing the entire project on his own, he makes the decision to remove his classmates’ names from the project.
But what he doesn’t know is his decision makes life hard for Jang Jaeyoung, the campus heartthrob who has big plans of studying abroad. This is when the two worlds collide in entertaining–and infuriating–ways!
Semantic Error is a hilarious and heartwarming slice-of-life BL that will give you all the feels. With relatable characters and a love story you’ll want to root for, Semantic Error is a manhwa you definitely have to check out.
Read More: The 15 Best Boy’s Love Manhwa
7. I Love Yoo by Quimchee
This next manhwa is a delightful read that’s at turns reflective and humorous.
In I Love Yoo, we follow Shin-Ae, a girl who’s down on her luck. It seems like her days consist of one misfortune after another. Fed up with her bad luck, Shin-Ae vows to live the life of a recluse away from the rest of society.
But of course, not everything goes according to plan. Everything changes when she bumps into a stranger and accidentally ruins his clothes. This then triggers a domino of events and finds her getting tangled up in a love triangle between that man and his estranged brother!
I Love Yoo is a comical series of unfortunate events with a relatable main character and a charming rags-to-riches story. But don’t be fooled–I Love Yoo is not merely a funny story. It’s also full of interesting character dynamics, with themes of family, second chances, and destiny.
For a truly immersive experience, you can also listen to the addictive soundtrack that comes with every chapter!
8. Always Human by walkingnorth
Always Human is definitely one of the best Manhwa of all time! If you want a unique and heartfelt read, then look no further than walkingnorth’s masterpiece.
In the world of this manhwa, people have access to extremely high-tech devices that help them change their appearances and functions. It has become the norm to alter your physical features, and this is something our main character Sunati does as well. She is constantly changing herself just like everybody else… except for one girl.
Sunati gets fascinated when she notices a girl at the bus stop who seems to never change. In this world, that alone is considered a revolutionary act. Sunati admires her bravery and confidence to stay in her natural look. But as she gathers the courage to approach her, Sunati soon finds out that there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to this girl. Things are not always what they seem.
Always Human is not only a sweet LGBTQ+ love story; it’s also a deeply moving manhwa that tackles beauty standards, how technology impacts us, and even what makes us human. It’s a truly beautiful sci-fi manhwa that stands out even among other powerful stories.
9. Yeon Lok Heun by Han Su Yeong
In the mood for a deeply immersive historical fiction story? Or maybe you’re craving an action-packed adventure with a strong female lead? Or perhaps you want a super addicting romance instead?
Well, you’re in luck because Yeon Lok Heun has all of that–and then some! Our leading lady and titular character, Yeon Lok Heun, has had to hide her royal origins at a very young age. So despite being a lady of high standing, she was able to learn from the best martial artists and spiritual leaders.
Equipped with her new skills, Yeon Lok Heun charges to the imperial palace to clear her disgraced father’s name. Disguised as a man, Yeon Lok Heun successfully befriends the young emperor Garyun. But as she falls deeper into court politics, she starts to worry if she can still keep up the act.
Yeon Lok Heun is a binge-worthy read with twists and turns at every minute. With an exciting plot and dynamic characters, you won’t be able to put this manhwa down!
10. Unrequited Love Skill by Teunteun and Carbonara
Unrequited love is probably the most universal experience in the world. Admit it: we’ve all had a crush on someone whom we could never even persuade to look our way.
This shared experience is what makes Unrequited Love Skill so special. At its core, it’s a story about a friendship between two girls who question whether they can remain friends, or if they want to evolve into something more.
High school student Yuna has known she was gay ever since she started developing feelings for her best friend, Dahye. But on the other hand, Dahye is pretty sure she’s only attracted to boys–not that anything ever happened with her crushes. No, every single boy Dahye had her eyes on seemingly had their eyes on Yuna instead.
Despite this pretty complicated situation, the two have remained loyal to each other. They always put their friendship first above everything.
But we all know what happens when feelings remain unsaid–they threaten to spill out anyway, often out of our control! As Yuna’s feelings grow deeper, she starts to accept that she can’t just remain friends with Dahye anymore. Is it time to move on, or is it time to take the leap of faith and confess?
Unrequited Love Skill is a sweet coming-of-age story that will transport you right back into your first love days. The tender storytelling and sweet dynamic between the two girls make this manhwa a must-read!
11. Cheese in The Trap by Soonkki
No best manhwa list is complete without this true OG. Cheese in The Trap is one of the most beloved manhwas of all time and for good reason! If you missed it, it even has a widely popular K-drama adaptation starring Kim Go-Eun, Seo Kang-Joon, Nam Joo-Hyuk, and Lee Sung-Kyung.
Here we follow Hong Seol, a hardworking student who wants to get back to her studies after successfully getting a scholarship at a prestigious university. Here she meets the senior Yoo Jung, who immediately resents her because she thinks she should have gotten the scholarship instead of our main character.
This kickstarts the whirlwind of chaos that entraps Hong Seol as she navigates the world of friendships, envy, and even an unexpected love triangle! Cheese in The Trap is an endlessly entertaining saga that makes it clear why it’s one of the most widely popular manhwas in Korea.
12. Heesu in Class 2 by Lily
If you’re one for heartfelt, timeless stories, then Heesu in Class 2 is the perfect pick for you.
Heesu has had a crush on his best friend Chanyeong for as long as he can remember. But even when he’s been harboring feelings for so long, there’s no way he will confess. He knows he will only be rejected.
Heesu is just content being by Chanyeong’s side, even if that means listening to his stories about his girl problems. They’re together so often that Heesu’s entire identity in school is simply “Chanyeong’s friend.”
But things start to change when Heesu starts developing the ability to give perfectly accurate love advice. In the world of high school, this skill is as in demand as it gets! Students start to flock to Heesu, asking him for advice and opening up about all their love troubles.
Despite being perfectly capable of helping other people with love and relationships, Heesu can’t seem to face his own problems. Heesu in Class 2 is a heartwarming story that perfectly captures youth, friendship, and first love. As manhwas become more progressive, we are gifted with more stories that celebrate love from all walks of life.
13. Shall We Have Dinner Tonight by Park See-In
Let’s face it: the romance genre can get cheesy at times. Sure, it’s fun to see big romantic gestures and emotional love confessions from time to time, but sometimes we also crave something a little more subtle. This is where Shall We Have Dinner Tonight comes in.
This manhwa is a masterclass in characterization and plot progression. It shows–rather than tells–the story of two characters who slowly fall in love as they get to know each other better. Shall We Have Dinner Tonight is a quiet yet powerful story about newfound love, healing from heartbreak, and making connections.
Here we follow Do-Hee Woo and Hae-Gyeong Kim. When the two try dining alone at a restaurant, they never expected that there they’d meet someone who will change their lives forever. The two make an instant connection, and as they agree to meet weekly, the stories they share with each other become deeper and deeper.
With gorgeous illustrations celebrating food from all cuisines, as well a stripped-down plot that really makes you get to know the characters, Shall We Have Dinner Tonight is a unique manhwa that will make you think, feel, and fall in love.
14. The Strongest Florist by Hyun Hoo Joo and Kumtata
Thrilling adventure stories with macho protagonists are a staple among manhwas. With their brute strength and boundless courage, we can’t help but root for these heroes in their quest to triumph over evil.
But what about a main protagonist who wants to do anything but?
One look at Jaeho and you’ll see why everyone around him expects him to be a macho man. Tall and overbearing, with huge muscles and an imposing presence, Jaeho is the picture-perfect protagonist of an action drama.
But as they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Because underneath all that beefy muscle is a heart of gold; instead of fighting, all this gentle giant wants to do is become a florist!
To achieve his dreams and get away from what society expects of him, Jaeho enters a virtual reality called “New World.” Here, he gets one task after another in the journey to prove himself worthy of his dream.
The Strongest Florist is a comedy-action manhwa for the ages. Its lighthearted plot and fun fight scenes make this a memorable pick for every reader!
15. Hive by Kyusam Kim
When talking about manhwas, we can’t skip talking about the popular zombie apocalypse stories. Hive by Kyusam Kim stands out even among those. With a uniquely unsettling premise, Hive will have you on the edge of your seat from the first chapter.
Imagine the world getting taken over by giant killer bees who are hellbent on reversing the food chain. What will you do when those cute fuzzy creatures suddenly turn into your worst nightmares? Mid-level manager Lee is forced to fight against all odds to save his family–as well as the rest of humanity.
With themes of climate change and nature versus technology, Hive is a survival story like no other. The desolate but gorgeous artwork and the intense storytelling make this manhwa a must-read. If you’re a fan of shows like The Walking Dead, then this manhwa is definitely for you!
To really get the full skin-crawling experience, we also recommend checking out the two prequels: The Dog Man and Dead Queen. Author Kyusam Kim has done everything they can to make this world as immersive–and unsettling–as possible!
16. Noblesse by Jeho Son and Kwangsu Lee
Vampire stories are among the most popular in the world, but some people say they’ve become a little outdated. In fact, some people are not a fan of vampire stories at all. But we’re sure Noblesse can change your mind.
It’s a unique vampire story that combines all the dark and brooding aspects of the genre and transforms it into a witty and charming tale filled with lovable characters and an entertaining storyline.
Here we follow the vampire Rai as he wakes up for the first time in 820 years. Imagine being asleep for that long, only to wake up in a world that feels truly unrecognizable! To find his way in this new world, he starts his new life as a high school student at a school founded by his loyal servant, Frankenstein.
Of course, what happens when a vampire over 800 years old enters high school? Mischief and madness! Hijinks ensue as Rai navigates life as a literal old soul trapped in an unageing body.
With a dark mystery running underneath the entire plot, Noblesse is not just a fun read but also a gripping story that can unite both vampire maniacs and non-fans alike!
17. Dead Days by DEY
So often, apocalypse stories center around a group of heroes who have the sacred burden of saving the world. But in Dead Days, we focus on the smaller stories of individual people forced to cope with the aftermath of an apocalypse that was out of their control.
Dead Days begins once the zombie outbreak has already started ravaging the earth. As the undead prowl the streets, people are forced to trap themselves in their own apartments for fear of being infected. In the midst of it all, we follow two high school students who communicate with each other through scratches on the door as they try to find a way to stay alive until help arrives–if help even arrives.
With stunningly detailed artwork, well-rounded characters, and a detailed and action-filled plot, Dead Days stands out among apocalypse stories as being one that was clearly written with a lot of thought and care. Not only is it a thrilling adventure story, it also asks deep questions about survival instincts, selfish desires, and the will to live.
18. Tower of God by SIU
Our next manhwa is one of those stories wherein the less you know, the better. Tower of God is a delightfully mysterious story that will have you second-guessing until the very last page.
While we don’t want to spoil it for you, we can give you a little sneak peek of this thrilling tale. In the Tower of God, you have the chance to fulfill all your deepest, darkest desires–but at a heavy price. Danger and peril greet you at every step, and one wrong move can send you to your doom.
Our main characters are childhood best friends Bam and Rachel. When Rachel gets sucked into the tower, Bam must do whatever he can to save her–even if it means risking his own life.
Tower of God is another popular manhwa that was an instant hit when it first came out. With a foreboding plot and themes of power, friendship, and fate, Tower of God is a mystery you won’t be able to put down.
19. Sweet Home by Carnby Kim and Youngchan Hwang
Sweet Home is a gritty suspense thriller that will make you fall in love with the genre. Don’t believe us? Just one look at Netflix and you will see that the K-Drama adaptation is one of its most popular titles!
In Sweet Home, our beloved characters must learn to face their inner demons. Here we follow Cha Hyun-Soo, a high school student struggling to deal with the recent loss of his family. As a result, he starts having dark suicidal thoughts that threaten to consume him.
And as if the emotional turmoil wasn’t hard enough, Hyun-Soo and his neighbors have to deal with being stuck in a world where monsters roam, taking the form of your deepest fears. This psychological thriller is filled with twists and turns, complete with a ragtag group of heroes and an addicting plotline!
20. Plum by Samkimart
And last but definitely not least, we have the cutest and most wholesome story on this list. Plum is a manhwa that combines all the competitiveness of sports stories while still managing to remain lighthearted–and most of all, fun!
In this world, the most popular sport is not baseball, football, or basketball. Instead, it’s fruit-stacking! Yes, you read that right. Here, fruit-stacking is a highly competitive sport, and right at its center, we have our main character Plum.
Starting out as an underdog, Plum works hard to become a champion in his favorite game. He travels all the way to Apple Seed City, but on the way, he faces tons of challenges and side quests.
Fun and colorful, Plum is a wholesome story about hard work, perseverance, and the value of following your dreams. Its lovable art style and dynamic worldbuilding make this story one of the best manhwas of all time!
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What did you think of our article on the best manhwa of all time? Which one are you most excited to pick up?
The rising popularity of manhwas is a double-edged sword. While it’s great that there’s so many choices to choose from, the sheer amount of manhwas available can also be overwhelming. Hopefully, you can find your next great read from the 20 we’ve handpicked above.
If you liked this article, make sure to check out our other articles listing the Best Romance Manhwa, Best Murim Manhwa and Best Isekai Manhwa.