Want to Get Into Manhwa and Don't Know Where to Start? Please Check Out These 10 Webtoon Series ASAP

In recent years, manhwa and Korean comics have exploded in popularity worldwide, thanks to the growing influence of digital platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, and KakaoPage. Whether viewers are a long-time manga fan looking to branch out or someone completely new to the world of visual storytelling, manhwa offers a refreshing mix of vibrant art, culturally rich narratives, and binge-worthy plots. With genres ranging from fantasy and romance to action and school life, there truly is something for everyone.

But with thousands of series available online, choosing a first read can feel overwhelming. But do not worry, because there is a broad spectrum of what manhwa has to offer, from heartwarming high school tales and action-packed adventures to supernatural reincarnations and laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. If fans want to dive into manhwa but do not know where to start, these titles will help them hit the ground running.

10

After School Lessons for Unripe Apples

Manhwa by Soonkki; Released 2022–2024 (Completed)

On the surface, After School Lessons for Unripe Apples is a slice-of-life story about a middle school girl navigating the daily awkwardness of adolescence. Mi-Ae is your typical teenage girl—she’s into boy bands, comics, and karaoke, and she’s desperately trying to survive the social gauntlet that is school. But her world is thrown off-kilter when a mysterious boy from her past shows up at her school, seemingly determined to make her life complicated. What begins as a lighthearted comedy about crushes and extracurriculars slowly develops into a nuanced exploration of emotional growth, first love, and the confusion that comes with it.

What sets this webtoon apart is its deeply relatable characters and slow-burn story. Mi-Ae’s desire to connect, combined with the aloofness of her new classmate, creates a perfect storm of miscommunication and teen angst. Yet beneath the awkward interactions and comedic misunderstandings lies a genuinely heartfelt coming-of-age tale. If readers have ever cringed at their own middle school memories, or found themselves crushing on someone who barely noticed them, this story will hit home in the most nostalgic way.

9

So You’re Raising a Warrior

Manhwa by Park JiEun & YC; Released 2022–Present (Releasing)

So You’re Raising a Warrior flips the classic fantasy script with a darkly hilarious premise of a dragon named Ell wants to die and is actively seeking a warrior strong enough to kill him. Unfortunately for him, when a would-be hero shows up, Ell accidentally defeats him, ending his hopes for a peaceful death. But instead of giving up, he decides to raise his own killer, a baby warrior named Dino, accompanied by a magician named Lafi. The result is a bizarrely heartwarming story about a makeshift family trying to raise a competent warrior… so one of them can die.

Though drenched in dark humor, this webtoon carries surprising emotional weight. Ell starts off as a world-weary dragon, but over time, the bonds he forms with Dino and Lafi chip away at his cynical exterior. What begins as a plan for death becomes a journey of rediscovery and reluctant attachment. The dynamic between the grumpy Ell and his ever-growing, ever-learning companions adds depth and sweetness to a series that’s otherwise delightfully absurd. If fans enjoy found-family tropes with a twist, this is a must-read.

8

Solo Leveling

Manhwa by Chugong, Dubu (REDICE Studio); Released 2018–2021 (Completed)

Arguably one of the most iconic manhwa of all time, Solo Leveling takes the familiar tropes of shonen-style anime and injects them with jaw-dropping art and non-stop adrenaline. The story follows Jinwoo, an E-rank Hunter considered the weakest in a world filled with powerful monster slayers. But after a near-death experience, he’s granted a unique ability: to level up endlessly, like a video game character. From there, Jinwoo begins a staggering ascent from weakling to powerhouse, taking on terrifying dungeons, political intrigue, and ancient secrets along the way.

What makes Solo Leveling so addictive is not just its epic fight scenes (though those are spectacularly illustrated). It is also Jinwoo’s character evolution from timid and self-sacrificing to cool, confident, and borderline unstoppable. As the stakes rise, so too does the complexity of the world, introducing guilds, otherworldly enemies, and ethical dilemmas. Solo Leveling is a power fantasy done right, with just enough emotional moments to keep readers invested. If fans are into action-packed anime like Attack on Titan or Bleach, this series is the perfect next obsession.

7

See You in My 19th Life

Manhwa by Lee Hye; Released 2020–2022 (Completed)

At its core, See You in My 19th Life is a reincarnation romance with a unique twist. Ji-Eum Ban remembers all her past lives, every single one of them, right up to her 18th. When her most recent life is cut tragically short, she sets out in her 19th life to reconnect with the boy she loved, hoping to pick up the pieces of their relationship. But love, as it turns out, is not so simple, especially when her rival for affection might just be one of her former selves.

This webtoon is not just about romance, it is a meditation on identity, grief, and the weight of memory. Ji-Eum’s emotional journey is compelling because she is not just chasing a lost love; she is grappling with who she really is when her past lives are always present. The slow burn between her and the male lead is balanced by moments of humor, sorrow, and introspection. Beautifully illustrated and emotionally layered, this series is perfect for fans of bittersweet love stories like Your Name or Violet Evergarden.

6

A Good Day to Be a Dog

Manhwa by Lee Hey; Released 2017–2019 (Completed)

Cursed by her first kiss, Hana transforms into a dog every time she locks lips with someone im a curse that can only be broken with a second kiss from the same person. The catch is that the guy she kissed, her stern coworker Mr. Jin, is terrified of dogs. What follows is a romantic comedy of errors, where Hana tries everything short of kidnapping to get that all-important second kiss and reclaim her humanity.

While the premise sounds ridiculous, A Good Day to Be a Dog excels because it leans into its absurdity while also delivering genuine chemistry between the leads. Hana’s desperation is played for laughs, but there is real charm in watching her navigate awkward situations, balance work life, and slowly peel back Jin’s grumpy facade. As the story unfolds, the curse becomes less of a gimmick and more of a symbol for emotional barriers, secrets, and trust. If fans love quirky, feel-good romances with supernatural twists, this is a perfect pick.

5

Lookism

Manhwa by Park Tae-jun; Released 2014–Present (Releasing)

Lookism tackles hard-hitting themes of beauty standards, bullying, and self-worth through an unconventional setup. Daniel, once overweight and ridiculed, wakes up one day in the body of a tall, handsome boy. Able to switch between his two bodies, Daniel begins to live a double life, experiencing the stark contrast in how people treat him based on appearance alone. With this new identity, he aims to change his fate, but not without consequences.

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This series is not afraid to get dark. It dives into the social hierarchies of high school, economic disparities, and the psychological damage caused by discrimination. Yet, despite the heavy themes, Lookism also features engaging character development, fast-paced action, and moments of levity. Daniel’s journey toward self-acceptance and justice is both tragic and empowering. For readers who want a story that critiques society while still delivering thrills, Lookism is a must-read.

4

Doom Breaker

Manhwa by Cheongdam, Studio KHIT; Released 2020–Present (Releasing)

In Doom Breaker, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Zephyr, humanity’s last hope against the gods, falls in battle, but instead of dying for good, he’s sent back ten years in time, before he became the legendary warrior. Now a slave once again, Zephyr must relive a life he’s already endured, using his foreknowledge to change fate and exact revenge on Tartarus, the god who destroyed everything.

Time-travel stories are nothing new, but Doom Breaker handles the concept with intensity and emotional punch. Zephyr’s rage and trauma are palpable, yet his second chance at life also brings new allies, challenges, and perhaps even redemption. The world-building is deep and immersive, with divine politics, brutal combat, and moral ambiguity. If readers are a fan of tragic heroes, god-slaying action, and narratives about rewriting destiny, they will be hooked from the first chapter.

3

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Manhwa by Sing N Song, Umi, Redice Studio; Released 2020–Present (Releasing)

What if a fan-favorite apocalypse novel suddenly came to life, and readers were the only ones who knew how it would end? That is the chilling premise of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. Dok-Ja, a solitary reader of the long-running novel Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse, finds himself thrust into the very world he once enjoyed from the safety of his phone screen. Armed with knowledge of future events, he must fight to survive and steer the story toward a better ending.

This webtoon is a love letter to storytelling itself. Dok-Ja is not a natural hero; he is an ordinary man armed only with insights and a will to endure. As the plot unfolds, it raises questions about narrative control, authorial intent, and the power of readers. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint blends action, psychological suspense, and philosophical depth in ways that few webtoons can match. If readers are looking for a mind-bending read with high emotional stakes, do not miss this one.

2

Romance 101

Manhwa by Namsoo; Released 2018–2022 (Completed)

Ba-Reum is a capable and busy student, but when it comes to dating, she is hopelessly inexperienced. Her journey into the confusing world of romance begins when she’s lured into a coding club, mostly because of her friend’s hot coworker. But rather than cozying up to her crush, Ba-Reum finds herself repeatedly running into his grumpy, unexpectedly charming friend instead. Classic romantic comedy chaos ensues.

Romance 101 captures the messy, awkward charm of real-life love. Ba-Reum isn’t a perfect heroine. She is anxious, overthinks everything, and makes hilarious mistakes, but that’s what makes her so relatable. The slow-burn romance feels natural and earned, with just enough tension and humor to keep things exciting. If fans enjoy watching smart but socially clueless characters try to navigate love, this series delivers in spades.

1

Eleceed

Manhwa by Son Jeho & ZHENA; Released 2018–Present (Releasing)

Imagine if Spider-Man had a heart of gold and a cat mentor with a superiority complex. That is the energy behind Eleceed, a fast-paced action webtoon about Jiwoo, a good-natured teen with lightning-fast reflexes, and Kayden, a powerful agent stuck in the body of a chonky cat. Together, they battle rogue awakeners and shady organizations, all while trying to keep their identities hidden.

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What makes Eleceed stand out is not just its slick fight choreography or cool powers, it is the characters. Jiwoo’s kindness makes him an endearing protagonist, and Kayden’s arrogance (tempered by his fluffy appearance) provides endless comedy. Their odd-couple dynamic carries the story through training arcs, dramatic battles, and school rivalries. For fans of My Hero Academia or Mob Psycho 100, this webtoon offers the perfect mix of heart and heroics.