Why Korean Webtoons Are Taking Over the World
If you've binged every Marvel comic and caught up on all your favorite manga, it's time to dive into Korean webtoons. These vertical-scrolling digital comics have revolutionized storytelling with their vibrant full-color art, weekly updates, and addictive narratives. Platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, and Manta have made them more accessible than ever to English readers.
7 Essential Webtoons for First-Timers
1. Solo Leveling (Action/Fantasy)
Think of it as the Korean equivalent of combining One Punch Man's power fantasy with RPG game mechanics. Follow Sung Jin-Woo as he transforms from the weakest hunter to an unstoppable force. The art alone is worth the read—now with a hit anime adaptation!
2. Tower of God (Fantasy/Adventure)
A sprawling epic that rivals Hunter x Hunter in world-building complexity. Bam enters a mysterious tower where each floor presents new challenges. Perfect for readers who love intricate power systems and plot twists.
3. Lore Olympus (Romance/Mythology)
A gorgeous retelling of Hades and Persephone's love story with modern sensibilities. If you enjoyed The Wicked + The Divine or Greek mythology retellings, this Eisner Award-winning series is unmissable.
4. True Beauty (Romance/Comedy)
High school drama meets the K-beauty phenomenon. Jugyeong's journey of self-acceptance resonates universally—plus the love triangle keeps you guessing. The K-drama adaptation was a global hit for good reason.
5. The God of High School (Action/Martial Arts)
Non-stop martial arts action with tournament arcs that would make Dragon Ball proud. Fast-paced, beautifully choreographed fights, and surprisingly deep lore beneath the surface.
6. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint (Isekai/Action)
A meta-narrative masterpiece for anyone who's ever wished they could enter their favorite story. Kim Dokja is the sole reader of an apocalyptic web novel—and suddenly finds himself living it.
7. Sweet Home (Horror/Thriller)
Humans transforming into monsters based on their deepest desires? This Netflix-adapted horror webtoon delivers genuine scares and emotional gut-punches. Not for the faint of heart.
Where to Start Reading
- Webtoon (LINE Webtoon) – Free with ads, largest selection
- Tapas – Great indie scene, coin system
- Manta – Subscription model, premium translations
- Tappytoon – Strong romance catalog
Pro tip: Most platforms offer the first several episodes free. Start with whatever genre calls to you—the vertical scroll format takes about 5 minutes to feel natural, and then you'll never look back.