Top 11 Must-Read Manhwa for Beginners

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It’s no wonder that manhwa like “All Of Us Are Dead”, “Solo Leveling”, “The God of High School”, and “Tower of God” have gained popularity since they’ve been turned into anime or K-Drama series. These manhwas present unique perspectives on narratives and genres not commonly found in traditional manga. For instance, we see a zombie apocalypse story, characters with superpowers in high school, and the exploration of a mysterious tower. Each of these stories offers something fresh and exciting to readers.

For those newbie manhwa readers like myself, exploring platforms such as Webtoon might initially seem daunting when searching for their first read. But fear not! There are some manhwas that I highly recommend for beginners who wish to get a taste of what this exciting world has in store.

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 new to manhwa, I recommend taking a look at “Familyman” as a brief yet charming introduction to this world. Unlike extensive series that have left an indelible impression on readers, “Familyman” demonstrates that a short tale can still tug at your heartstrings and bring laughter all at once.

The narrative titled “Familyman” revolves around the character of Gang-ho, who sustained burns at his workplace and subsequently lost his job. This unfortunate event also caused him to frighten his daughter due to his physical condition. Desperate to win back his daughter’s affection, Gang-ho transforms himself into the humorous superhero, Gugu-Man, in a costume. Devoid of any extraordinary abilities, Gugu-Man strives to bring about positive change in the town while spreading an emotionally touching tale about family bonds, as readers follow along.

10. Cheese In The Trap

A Romance Manhwa Staple With A Lot Of Content That Gets Progressively Better

  • Author: Soonki
  • Start Date: July 7, 2010
  • Status: Complete
  • Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life
  • Number of Chapters: 131

Often recognized as one of the manhwa series that gained immense popularity, “Cheese In The Trap” is a captivating romance narrative that demonstrates the depth of drama found in this genre. The story revolves around Hong Seol, a humble character who unexpectedly receives a scholarship intended for Yoo Jung, portrayed as the ideal student of the university. With everyone watching her, believing she disrupted Mr. Perfect’s unblemished record, Seol’s ordinary life will be overshadowed by the glare of public attention.

It’s troubling that Jung unexpectedly grows closer to her, with Seol oblivious to Jung’s seemingly genuine exterior hiding a calculating and deceitful personality within. In contrast, Seol’s sincere nature clashes with Jung’s reserved demeanor, making “Cheese in the Trap” an intriguing spin on the common trope of “warm girl, cold boy” relationships in love stories.

9. HIVE

A Well-Done Take On The Invasion Genre

  • Author: Kim Gyu-Sam
  • Start Date: January 20, 22014
  • Status: Complete
  • Genre: Action, Suspense, Horror
  • Number of Chapters: 243

In a world where colossal bees fed on oxygen become relentless tormentors and pose a grave danger to humanity, the survivors of HIVE find themselves ill-prepared and swamped. The situation becomes increasingly dire for Lee Eun Sung, a middle-ranking manager, who finds himself right in the thick of a bee catastrophe. With his family’s safety as his top priority, Lee is determined to take whatever actions are necessary to eradicate any insect menace that dares cross his path.

In the gritty, insect-infested world reminiscent of tales like “The Last of Us” and the adrenaline rush of “The Walking Dead”, I find Lee’s resilient yet balanced optimism shining like a beacon amidst despair. For those seeking a manhwa that delves into post-apocalyptic situations from a deeply personal perspective, I recommend giving “HIVE” a read.

8. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?

Good Blend Of Comedy, Romance, And Drama

  • Author: Jeong Gyeong Yun, Kim Myeongmi
  • Start Date: June 28, 2016
  • Status: Complete
  • Genre: Comedy, Workplace, Romance
  • Number of Chapters: 98

Individuals who enjoy complex character progressions in their romantic manga tales might find What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim intriguing due to its thoughtful exploration of a conventional narrative setup. In this story, when the efficient secretary, Kim Mi-so, unexpectedly declares her resignation from working under the self-centered Lee Yong-joon, he becomes determined to convince her to return as his secretary again.

Observing this lighthearted setup, Yong-joon and Mi-so gradually nurture feelings for one another, particularly when it seems they both endured harrowing childhood traumas. This character-driven narrative provides an intriguing entry point into the depth and richness of themes often explored in manhwa, especially within the drama genre.

7. Wind Breaker

A Great Option For Sports Anime/Manga Fans, Particularly If They Are Craving A Lengthy Story That Will Keep Them Engaged For A Long Time

  • Author: Yongseok Jo
  • Start Date: December 8, 2013
  • Status: Ongoing
  • Genre: Sports, Action
  • Number of Chapters: 530+

If you’re a sports fan seeking a manhwa that mirrors the inspiring vibe of series like “Hajime no Ippo” and “Haikyu!!”, consider reading “Wind Breaker”. Initially, an academically top-notch student named Jay Jo is forced to join a local biking gang. This new experience exposes him to life beyond studying. Throughout the manhwa, “Windbreaker”, you’ll find Jay embracing various aspects of life while navigating the complexities of urban street cycling.

Due to Jay’s scholarly disposition and his pastime of casual biking, he quickly becomes known as the exceptional rider on the Hummingbird team. Unlike typical sports anime, where the main character is often an ordinary student, Jay’s status as a resident genius allows readers to experience a story told from the viewpoint of the prodigy – a role typically assigned to the rival in standard sports anime narratives.

6. Heesu In Class 2

Boys Love Is Extremely Popular In Manhwa, And This Story Is A Solid Entry Point

  • Author: Lily
  • Start Date: November 15, 2017
  • Status: Complete
  • Genre: Romance, Boys Love
  • Number of Chapters: 81

Individuals seeking an engaging LGBTQ+ narrative might find appeal in the heartwarming tale of growth and romance titled “Heesu in Class 2“. This story centers around Heesu, who harbors a secret affection for his best friend Chanyeong but is content to play the supportive role. However, whispers that “Heesu in Class 2” can somehow resolve anyone’s romantic dilemmas have unexpectedly thrust him into the spotlight.

This peculiar situation significantly altered Heesu’s life, introducing him not only to Changeyong’s friends but also to various faces scattered throughout the school. As Heesu In Class 2 primarily follows Heesu’s transition into young adulthood, this manhwa is filled with heartwarming anecdotes from everyday life and lovable characters that one might yearn for a real-life friend like Heesu.

5. Catharsis

A Dip Into Horror Manhwa Territory

  • Author: Ahniki
  • Start Date: March 3, 2015
  • Status: Complete
  • Genre: Fantasy, Psychological, Horror
  • Number of Chapters: 182

If you’re intrigued about how manhwa delves into the horror genre, consider reading “Catharsis”. It provides a realistic approach to confronting one’s fears for new readers. The narrative revolves around Leon Mori, a character with synesthesia who perceives sounds as colors. However, his life becomes complicated when he discovers that his recurring nightmares are not just ordinary dreams.

In the unsettling blend of his nightmares and waking life, Leon encounters an organization known as Catharsis, whose mission is to aid individuals like Leon in battling their internal struggles. What sets Catharsis apart from conventional narratives is Leon’s rational reactions to horrific circumstances. Unlike many characters who might be swayed by curiosity, Leon chooses the more pragmatic route, such as contacting the authorities. Additionally, Catharsis’ deliberate and systematic method of constructing their world may initially seem dull to readers, but as they delve deeper into Leon’s tale, they come to appreciate its authenticity and find themselves engrossed in a narrative that mirrors everyday experiences.

4. True Beauty

One Of The Most Famous Manhwa Stories, Which Has Produced A Live-Action Series And Anime Adaptation

  • Author: Yaongyi
  • Start Date: April 3, 2018
  • Status: Complete
  • Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
  • Number of Chapters: 257

Bullying is frequently explored in many manhwa stories, and “True Beauty” specifically delves into this issue by focusing on protagonist Jugyeong Lim, who has suffered unfair treatment due to others perceiving her as unattractive. However, through makeup tutorials, Jugyeong learns to enhance her appearance dramatically, even becoming a stunning beauty that draws people in.

In the bustling world of my school, I can’t help but notice when two particularly handsome young men capture the interest of one girl: Lee Suho, the first to uncover Jugyeong’s secret, and Han Seojun, who finds himself at odds with Suho. The captivating story of True Beauty follows Jugyeong’s transformative journey from high school to young adulthood, all while grappling with themes that resonate deeply – self-esteem, career aspirations, and the complexities of love. For readers seeking a fulfilling voyage towards self-acceptance, punctuated by tender moments of romance and a touch of everyday life, this manhwa promises to be a compelling read indeed.

The anime adaptation is not great, but the live-action True Beauty series is quite good.

3. The Breaker

An Accessible And Highly Popular Manhwa That Is Perfect For Shonen Fans

  • Author: Jeon Geuk-jin
  • Start Date: June 1, 2007
  • Status: Complete (Original Series, As There Is A Still Ongoing Sequel)
  • Genre: Action, Drama
  • Number of Chapters: 72 (Original Series)

Individuals who enjoy high-energy shonen manga like “Naruto” might find a similar experience immersed in the world of ninja conflict through “The Breaker”. In this story, the protagonist, Shiwoon Yi, encounters his martial arts teacher, Chunwoo Han, dealing with some street thugs. Eager to resolve his bullying issue, Shiwoon pleads for martial arts training. However, this training leads Shiwoon into the heart of a storm in the Murim, an enigmatic society of martial artists. As Chunwoo is the revered Nine Arts Dragon, both are drawn into a whirlwind of challenges that jeopardize their wish for a peaceful life.

Because the initial installment of “The Breaker” ended with quite a suspenseful climax, it gave rise to an entire series. The sequel, “The Breaker: New Waves,” saw Shiwoon delve deeply into the world of the Murim, and the subsequent series, “The Breaker: Eternal Force,” introduced a new character, Ha-jae, who was also a target of bullying. In addition to maintaining a traditional narrative style common in shonen manga, “The Breaker” stands out for its dynamic fight scenes that offer an experience reminiscent of the more immersive world of “Naruto.

2. Noblesse

An OP MC Manhwa That Does The Concept Well

  • Author: Son Je-ho
  • Start Date: December 30, 2007
  • Status: Complete
  • Genre: Vampire, Action, Supernatural, Comedy
  • Number of Chapters: 544

In the realm of contemporary media, the archetype of a powerful protagonist is frequently encountered. However, Noblesse, set in modern-day South Korea, offers an exceptionally well-crafted interpretation of this trope from the standpoint of older manhwa. The narrative unfolds around Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, who, having been roused from his slumber by Frankenstein, embarks on a journey to understand human advancements. As a novice at Frankenstein’s educational institution, Rai befriends a group of peers spearheaded by athletic Shinwoo, and gradually finds himself entwined in their various escapades.

In South Korea, Rai’s new life takes an unfavorable turn as a secretive group attempts relentlessly to seize him. It is revealed that Rai is none other than the “Noblesse,” a formidably powerful entity who often acts as a mediator between various supernatural beings. Rather than focusing on Rai’s unmatched power, which could easily resolve most conflicts in the manhwa, Noblesse highlights the reactions of Rai’s companions when faced with such an exalted figure – particularly when circumstances arise where Rai can no longer shield them from harm.

1. Solo Leveling

The Best Manhwa For Beginners

  • Author: Chugong
  • Start Date: March 4, 2018
  • Status: Complete (Original Series, Solo Leveling: Ragnarok Is Ongoing)
  • Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Number of Chapters: 201 (Original Series)

In terms of popularity and quality, the manhwa “Solo Leveling” likely surpasses many others in the genre. It’s quite possible that Chugong’s story will serve as a gateway for many to discover South Korean web novels. The series sets a high standard that other works may find challenging to match. While the anime is excellent, the original source material remains the most authentic portrayal of this narrative. This captivating tale follows Sung Jin-woo’s transformative journey from zero to hero, filled with thrilling action.

In my opinion, while the narrative and characters in Solo Leveling are generally well-crafted, it truly shines during its action scenes. These sequences are not only dynamic and immersive but also visually breathtaking. It’s no secret that overpowered protagonists in manhwa are quite common, almost forming a subgenre on their own. However, Chugong’s masterpiece stands out as the epitome of this trope, offering an accessible and highly popular take on it.

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2025-02-15 12:58