Warning: Sleep Deprivation Ahead
If you've ever found yourself thinking "just one more episode" at 3 AM, you know the dangerous pull of a truly addictive webtoon. Korean webtoons have mastered the art of the cliffhanger, combining stunning vertical-scroll artwork with storytelling that rivals the best Netflix series. Here are seven titles that fans on Webtoon, Tapas, and Tappytoon simply cannot stop reading.
Action & Fantasy Picks
Solo Leveling (Chugong)
The gateway drug to Korean webtoons for many Western readers. If you loved Tower of God or games like Dark Souls, this power-fantasy masterpiece delivers non-stop progression that's genuinely impossible to pause. Available on Tapas and now a hit anime.
Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint
For fans of Ready Player One and isekai stories, this meta-narrative about a man trapped in his favorite web novel offers layers upon layers of mystery. The art quality rivals any Marvel comic.
The Beginning After the End (TurtleMe)
Originally a Western web novel adapted Korean-style, this reincarnation fantasy scratches the same itch as Mushoku Tensei but with a more mature protagonist.
Romance & Drama That Hits Different
True Beauty (Yaongyi)
Think Mean Girls meets K-drama. The makeup transformation premise hooked millions, but it's the genuine character growth that keeps readers invested through 200+ episodes.
Remarried Empress
Royal drama with a fierce female lead who refuses to be a victim. If you enjoyed Bridgerton, this historical romance will consume your weekends.
Thriller & Horror
Sweet Home (Carnby Kim)
Already adapted by Netflix, but the webtoon hits harder. Imagine The Last of Us set in a Korean apartment complex with monster designs that will haunt your dreams.
Bastard
A psychological thriller about a serial killer's son. More unsettling than Dexter, with twist after twist that demands immediate binge-reading.
Where to Read
- Webtoon (LINE) - Free with ads, largest English library
- Tapas - Great for indie creators and licensed Korean hits
- Tappytoon - Premium translations, romance-heavy catalog
- Manta - Unlimited subscription model
Fair warning: clear your schedule before starting any of these. Your sleep schedule will thank you later—or never forgive you.