The Ultimate Manhwa Beginner’s Guide: 10 Series You Should Read First

From dungeon raids and psychological horror to heartbreaking romance and epic fantasy, these 10 Korean comics are the perfect starting point for exploring manhwa.

Manhwa has become one of the most exciting corners of the global comics industry. Korean creators are building stories that combine cinematic artwork, addictive storytelling, memorable characters and genres that go far beyond traditional action comics.

If you’re familiar with Japanese manga, the transition is relatively easy, but manhwa has its own identity. Many popular titles are designed as vertical-scroll webcomics, using full color, dramatic compositions and cliffhangers that make every episode feel like another episode of a television series.

But where should you start?

Whether you’re looking for brutal action, disturbing psychological stories, elaborate fantasy worlds or emotional character dramas, these ten series offer an excellent introduction.

1. Solo Leveling

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Best for: Fans of RPGs, anime and power fantasies.

One of the biggest international manhwa phenomena, Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, an exceptionally weak hunter in a world where mysterious gates connect Earth to monster-filled dungeons.

After surviving a deadly dungeon, Jinwoo receives access to a mysterious system that allows him to grow stronger through quests, challenges and battles.

Its straightforward premise, spectacular combat sequences and constantly evolving protagonist make it one of the easiest entry points into manhwa. If you enjoy progression systems and watching an underdog become an unstoppable force, start here.

2. Tower of God

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mystery
Best for: Readers who love expansive worlds and complex mythology.

What would you risk to reach the top of a mysterious tower?

Created by SIU, Tower of God follows Twenty-Fifth Bam, a boy who enters an enormous structure filled with dangerous tests, powerful individuals and mysterious civilizations in search of his friend Rachel.

Every floor introduces new rules, characters and political conflicts. Its world-building is one of its greatest strengths, gradually revealing a much larger story than its initial premise suggests.

This is a great choice for readers who enjoy long adventures, elaborate power systems and mysteries that reward patience.

3. Sweet Home

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Survival
Best for: Fans of psychological horror and apocalyptic fiction.

What happens when humanity begins transforming into monsters shaped by its deepest desires?

In Sweet Home, Cha Hyun-su is a withdrawn teenager who moves into an apartment building after a personal tragedy. Soon, a mysterious outbreak turns people into horrifying creatures, trapping the residents inside.

Unlike traditional monster stories, the real horror comes from the people themselves. Survival becomes a question of fear, morality and what it means to remain human.

A disturbing, atmospheric introduction to the darker side of Korean comics.

4. Bastard

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Horror, Drama
Best for: Readers who enjoy dark mysteries and suspense.

Jin Seon is a bullied teenager living under the shadow of his seemingly perfect father. Behind his father’s respectable appearance, however, lies a terrifying secret: he is a serial killer, and Jin has been forced to help him.

When his father targets a new girl, Jin faces a decision that could destroy his entire life.

Bastard is a tightly constructed psychological thriller built around manipulation, fear and family trauma. Its greatest strength is how it creates tension without relying on supernatural monsters.

If you enjoy unsettling stories with strong character development, this one deserves a place on your reading list.

5. The Boxer

Genre: Sports, Drama, Psychological
Best for: Readers interested in character studies and emotional storytelling.

Created by JH, The Boxer follows Yu, a young man with extraordinary physical abilities and an unsettling relationship with violence.

When a boxing coach discovers his potential, Yu enters the professional boxing world, where he encounters fighters with completely different motivations, dreams and personal struggles.

 

But this isn’t simply a sports story about winning championships. It explores ambition, suffering, identity and the psychological cost of extraordinary talent.

Its minimalist storytelling and powerful visual sequences make it one of the most distinctive sports manhwa available.

6. Lookism

Genre: Drama, Action, Social Commentary
Best for: Readers interested in social issues, identity and character-driven stories.

Park Hyung-seok is a teenager constantly bullied because of his appearance. One day, he discovers that he can switch between two bodies: one considered conventionally attractive and another resembling his original self.

Through this unusual premise, Lookism explores discrimination, beauty standards, social status and the way people treat others based on appearances.

As the story develops, it expands into action, gang conflicts and increasingly complex character relationships.

It’s an interesting introduction to manhwa because it demonstrates how a contemporary social drama can evolve into something much bigger.

7. True Beauty

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Best for: Fans of romantic stories and coming-of-age narratives.

Lim Ju-kyung has always struggled with her appearance and the way others perceive her. After discovering the transformative power of makeup, she becomes popular at her new school.

But maintaining that image creates a complicated double life, especially when romance, friendship and personal insecurities enter the picture.

True Beauty is a colorful romantic drama that explores self-esteem, beauty standards and the pressure to meet society’s expectations.

It’s an accessible alternative for readers who want something more grounded than fantasy and action.

8. Eleceed

Genre: Action, Supernatural, Comedy
Best for: Fans of superheroes, friendship and energetic action.

Jiwoo Seo is a kind-hearted young man with extraordinary speed who unexpectedly becomes involved in a hidden world of powerful individuals.

His life changes when he encounters Kayden, a mysterious and incredibly powerful fighter trapped in the body of a cat.

 

Combining supernatural battles, humor and surprisingly wholesome character interactions, Eleceed offers a lighter approach to action manhwa.

The chemistry between its main characters and its dynamic artwork make it an especially entertaining read.

9. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Genre: Action, Fantasy, Apocalypse
Best for: Fans of complex narratives and high-concept science fiction.

Kim Dokja is an ordinary office worker whose only connection to another world is a web novel he has followed for years.

When the novel’s events suddenly become reality, Dokja discovers that he may be the only person who knows how the story will unfold.

Armed with that knowledge, he must navigate a world of deadly scenarios, powerful beings and increasingly impossible choices.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint mixes survival, mythology, meta-fiction and large-scale fantasy. Its central concept makes it especially appealing to readers who enjoy stories about stories themselves.

10. The Remarried Empress

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Political Drama
Best for: Fans of court intrigue, elaborate settings and revenge.

Navier is an empress who appears to have everything under control until her husband, Emperor Sovieshu, announces that he wants a divorce to marry his mistress.

Rather than accepting humiliation, Navier makes an unexpected decision that changes the political and romantic balance of the empire.

The Remarried Empress combines elegant artwork, palace intrigue, complicated relationships and a protagonist who refuses to let others define her future.

It’s an excellent starting point for discovering the romance-fantasy side of manhwa, a genre with a massive international readership.

Where Should You Read Manhwa?

The easiest way to begin is through official digital platforms. Their catalogs, availability and reading options vary by region, but these are some of the main destinations for English-language readers:

• WEBTOON: A strong starting point, with a large selection of Korean webcomics and original series.
• Tappytoon: A platform specializing in licensed Korean comics, including fantasy, romance and action.
• Manta: Particularly interesting for readers who enjoy romance and fantasy titles.
• Lezhin Comics: Offers a broader selection of mature dramas, thrillers and romance.
• Tapas: Has hosted a large selection of licensed Korean comics and independent creators; check its current service announcements before starting a long series.

Whenever possible, support the creators through official editions.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Comics Obsession Might Be Korean

Manhwa is not a single genre or visual style. It can be a brutal survival thriller, a sprawling fantasy adventure, a romantic drama or a deeply personal story about identity and human relationships.

The ten series on this list are a starting point, not a definitive ranking. If you want spectacular action, pick Solo Leveling. If psychological horror is your thing, try Bastard or Sweet Home. And if you want to explore something different, The Boxer and Lookism show just how versatile the medium can be.

The best way to discover manhwa is simply to start reading. You might find your next favorite comic in a format you haven’t explored before.

Welcome to the world of manhwa.