Manhwa has become the new trend for people who earlier used to read manga or comics. Though they sound similar, there's a vast difference. Comics originate from the USA, and mangas from Japan. At the same time, manhwa is the term used to describe comics created in South Korea. It has achieved significant popularity in the last decade. They come in a wide variety, including action, romance, fantasy, sports, etc. Manhwas are commonly referred to as webtoons. It is much easier to read manhwa than comics and mangas as several online platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, etc. allow users to read them for free. Unlike comics solely written by the publishing house, webtoon platforms allow everyone to publish their manhwa. This has resulted in many webtoons that are enjoyable to read. Here, we have collected the top ten manhwas that are extremely popular.
1. Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is probably the most popular manhwa today. It was released on KakaoPage on March 4, 2018. Jang-Sung Rak illustrated it, and its final chapter was released in December 2020. It will be adapted into an anime by A-1 Pictures in 2023. One day, after a near-death experience, an unknown system chooses Sung Jinwoo as its only player and thus grants him the opportunity to become the strongest.
2. The Beginning After The End
The Beginning After The End, also known as TBATE, is a fantasy manhwa. It is written by TurtleMe, and available on Tapas. It follows the story of King Grey, who dies a mysterious death and is reborn as Arthur Leywin into the magical continent Dicathen. The child of two former adventurers, he attends the best academy on the continent, where he has many fun but dangerous adventures.
3. True Beauty
True Beauty is a South Korean manhwa written and illustrated by the artist Yaongyi. It is also known by the names "The Advent of a Goddess" and "The Secret of Angel." It started publishing on April 2, 2018, on Naver Webtoon. It is prevalent; the English version has more than 6 million subscribers. It was adapted into a drama of the same name. The story follows a girl who masters makeup and transforms herself into a beautiful lady.
4. Sweet Home
Sweet Home is a manhwa written by Kim Carnby. It is illustrated by Hwang Young-chan. Its English translation has over 2 million subscribers. It started releasing on October 12, 2017, on Naver Webtoon. Its story follows Cha Hyun-soo, who moves into a housing complex named Green Home. People start experiencing strange things like nosebleeds and voices in their heads. Hyun realizes that an apocalypse has happened, and people are becoming monsters. Sweet Home was adapted into a drama by Netflix.
5. UnOrdinary
UnOrdinary is a fantasy manhwa written, and illustrated by Uru-chan. It was released on May 24, 2016. The story follows John Doe, a boy who attends Wellston Private High School. As he is ordinary and lacks powers, he is beaten every day. He accidentally becomes friends with Seraphina, who is the strongest at Wellston. John has secrets no one knows and he soon gets into trouble while trying to protect them.
6. The God Of High School
The God of High School is a prevalent manhwa series written and illustrated by Yonge Park. It was released on Naver Webtoon in April 2011. The animation studio MAPPA adapted it into an anime. Its story follows Mori Jin, a young martial artist in Seoul, South Korea. He participates in the tournament The God of High School, which promises to grant the winner absolutely whatever wish they have. He becomes friends with the talented Mira Yoo and Daewi Han as the competition moves on.
7. Noblesse
Noblesse is a popular manhwa written by Son Je-ho. It is illustrated by Lee Kwangsu. It was released on Naver Webtoon in December 2007. It was adapted into an anime, produced by the studio Production I.G, and available on Crunchyroll. The story follows Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, also known as Rai. He fell asleep for 820 years and woke up one day in South Korea. Rai goes to high school and makes a few friends while also trying to figure out the reason for his 820 years of sleep.
8. Omniscient Reader
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, often called Omniscient Reader, is written by two writers known as Sing Shong. The story follows Kim Dokja, the only reader to have read the end of the web novel, Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World. When the events of the novel start occurring in the real world, Kim realizes that he possesses the knowledge that can change the course of the story. It has over 300 million views globally and will be adapted into a series of films by Realize Pictures.
9. Tower Of God
Tower of God is a manhwa written and illustrated by S.I.U. It was released on Naver Webtoon in June 2010. It was adapted into an anime by Telecom Animation Film and is available on Crunchyroll. The story follows a boy, Twenty-Fifth Bam, who lives beneath a strange tower. One day, his only friend, Rachel, goes into the Tower. To meet her again, he enters the Tower and gathers friends who can help him reach the top of the Tower.
10. Eleceed
Eleceed is a popular manhwa series written by Son Jae Ho and illustrated by ZHENA. It is available in English on WEBTOON. The story follows Jiwoo, a young man who is an awakener with a superpower but tries to hide it. One day, he saves a stray cat and brings him home. It turns out that the cat is one of the strongest awakeners, Kayden. He makes Jiwoo his disciple and together, they have many thrilling experiences.
