Top 15+ Webtoons To Read Before They Hit The Big Screen

Hello, my beautiful hallyu peeps! You know, I was just spending my time reorganizing my device, and I opened my WEBTOON app, and I realised it’s been so long!  

I used to read a lot of comics, including Korean webtoons, while I was in university. I got nostalgic and decided to talk to my friend about it.  

Dear God! She did not know what a WEBTOON was! I mean, if she had told me she doesn’t have a particular interest in that, I would have understood.  

But she had no clue whatsoever regarding what Korean webtoons are as a category of comics.  

Therefore, I decided to write an entire article about it, for my friend as well as for others like her. I will also suggest some really good Korean webtoons, so let’s get into it, folks!  

What Is The History of Korean Webtoons?

Korean popular culture, often referred to as the Korean Wave or Hallyu, has become a global trend in recent years. It attracts many fans with its various entertainment forms.  

K-dramas offer gripping stories, while K-pop features catchy songs. These Korean cultural exports are especially popular with younger audiences.  

In this cultural boom, a new kind of storytelling has appeared: the webtoon. Webtoons are digital comics from South Korea optimized for mobile devices.  

Since they began in the early 2000s, their online platforms have enabled them to reach a global audience, making them one of the latest successful Korean pop culture exports. 

The history of webtoons is closely tied to Korea’s comic book tradition, known as manhwa, which dates back to the 1920s.  

This art form originated during the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945, a period when cultures intermingled.  

During this period, Japanese language and cultural elements had a significant influence on Korean society.  

Although Korea faced restrictions on Japanese cultural imports, artists found inspiration in Japanese manga.  

They adapted their various genres and storytelling styles to satisfy the growing interest in comics among Korean youth. 

Why Are Korean Webtoons Or Manhwa So Popular?

Manhwa refers to Korean comics, and Korean webtoons have gained significant popularity in recent years.  

These webtoons are digital comics that you can read online, often in a vertical format. They encompass a wide range of genres, including action, romance, drama, comedy, and horror. 

Korean manhwa webtoons are known for their unique art style and storytelling. They often have complex plots filled with twists that keep readers engaged.  

The characters are well-developed. This allows readers to connect with them on an emotional level. Also, they are extremely pretty!  

One of the best aspects of Korean manhwa webtoons is their accessibility. You can read them from anywhere with an internet connection,  

And the best part about them?  Most of them are free. This accessibility has made them particularly popular with younger readers.. 

What Are Some Popular Korean Webtoons?

Webtoons are available in a wide range of genres, including romance, action, sci-fi, and drama. Many of these stories have become extremely popular and have been adapted into various formats.  

For example, Tower of God has its anime series, Cheese in the Trap became a Korean TV drama, and  

Lore Olympus, the top-rated Webtoon, might soon get an animated series from the Jim Henson Company. 

One reason for their popularity is the ability to scroll through pages, which creates a more interactive reading experience.  

Readers often feel surprised, scared, or touched by the dramatic moments, horror scenes, and beautiful romance panels.  

The writers and artists enhance their work by adding music and GIFs, making the Webtoon feel lively. 

Here are some other top-rated Korean webtoons that you must read before they hit the big screen.  

1. Ex Love Review

I expected a light romantic comedy about not judging people by their appearances, but I got a serious drama instead.  

It discusses how abusers hide their actions and how society often blames women more than men in relationship failures. Content warnings apply. 

In the first part of Ex-Love Review, Giju learns she can see reviews written by people’s exes. This changes how she views her current boyfriend.  

Although he is popular, he turns out to be a serial abuser who often physically hurts his girlfriends and lies to his friends about it.  

Meanwhile, Giju is seen as a “doormat,” and her exes spread false rumors about her being “obsessive.”  

This story highlights how people with power tend to control the narrative, leaving those with less power afraid of backlash. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Young Adult	Pyeonggang, La Hee	9.2/10	Ongoing

2. My Lucky Strike 

What I like most about “My Lucky Strike” is how it combines different story elements to create an engaging webtoon.  

The romance makes your heart flutter, especially with sweet moments like Siru and Gibaek sharing glances or Cheong saying intimate things to Siru.  

There’s also comedy that brings laughs, such as the friendly banter and amusing facial expressions between characters.  

To add some excitement, the story includes just enough drama to keep you curious about what happens next.  

The creator, bakSSdam, is skilled at making storylines that flow well and don’t feel dragged out. The main focus is always on telling a great and entertaining love story. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Comedy	Yogo Sapphirey	10/10	Currently Ongoing

3. Love Me Knot

Love Me Knot is a Webtoon about a girl named Avery who can see the red string of fate. This string is said to connect soulmates.  

Avery’s string does not connect to anyone, making her feel like she will always be alone. She thinks she is the only one who can see these strings until she meets others who can see them too.  

Even though everyone possesses a red string of fate, Avery knows that she is the only one who knows what it means.  

The mystery of why her string goes to no one makes her a hopeless romantic.  

Things change when she meets Noah, who can also see the strings and has one with no connection. Could Noah be her soulmate, or are there others like them? 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Fantasy, Drama	Francisco Molina	8.5/10	Inconclusive

4. The New Hire’s Secret

Imagine you are a girl working in a corporate office with a very peculiar condition. What is it you ask? You have partial face blindness, that is, you have face blindness when it comes to men with short hair.  

Yes, this Korean webtoon features a female lead who suffers from the said condition. Unrealistic? Well, aren’t we all a little!  

The story revolves around a girl who struggles to recognize and connect with a new colleague with short hair, initially due to her condition.  

As the story unfolds, she gradually learns to overcome her limitations and develop a deeper connection with him.  

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Fantasy	Dasim	9.07/10	Currently Ongoing

5. Eaturnal Nocturnal

Romance manga has offered readers captivating love stories for many years. Japan’s comic industry produces a wide range of romance manga. 

And what did we get as a result? With the rise of online shipping culture, many people are seeking great romance stories.  

Webtoon features several notable romance tales, including “Eaturnal Nocturnal,” which has garnered considerable attention, and I am not complaining!  

In this story, Eve is an insomniac who encounters a mysterious spirit. After their meeting, her insomnia disappears. Dae, a dream eater, becomes inexplicably interested in Eve.  

“Eaturnal Nocturnal” combines a typical romance plot with elements of fantasy. The mystery behind Dae’s attraction to Eve and the effects of their relationship captivate readers.  

It takes common romance themes, mixes in a bit of the style from “The Sandman,” and creates a unique story. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Fantasy	Instantmiso	8/10	Finished

6. To The Stars And Back

“To the Stars and Back,” the popular Korean webtoon, follows the sweet and endearing romance between introverted university student Kang Dae and bubbly new student Bo Seon.  

It’s a slow-burn, slice-of-life story that focuses on the development of their relationship and the challenges they face, including past traumas and the awkwardness of their first encounter.  

While the romance is a central theme, the webtoon also delves into the realities of navigating new relationships and the pressures of university life.  

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Young Adult, Slice of Life	Peglo	9.39/10	Finished

7. Secretary Out Of Order

This story is a twist on the classic office romance between a secretary and her boss. In this case, the secretary, Yu-eun Gam, wants to leave her job after winning the lottery. The CEO, Dohyeok, is trying hard to convince her to stay.  

The book is concise yet enjoyable, offering a fresh perspective on the secretary-CEO trope. Yu-eun is not only good at her job,  

However, she is also difficult to persuade. As Dohyeok tries to keep her around, he realizes his reasons might go beyond work. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance	QuornQuorn	8.9/10	Finished

8. The Runway

See, I know I started talking about this one a little later, but trust me, this one had me in a chokehold. I swear!  

The best thing about this oe is not the plot, but for me, it’s the characters. God, everyone is just so beautiful! 

This one is one of those rare manhwa, the Female Lead begins her story with a one-night stand. The RUNWAY is a great office romance for readers who want a spicy workplace drama. 

And guess what, folks? It sure gets better. This one is filled with love triangles and romantic tension. Both the Female Lead and Male Lead are strong characters. 

Jian discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her. In a rush, she leaves for Paris, where she meets a handsome stranger and spends the night with him.  

Three months later, she runs into him again—this time as the Chief Editor from France. Their intense attraction leads to exciting and complicated situations.  

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Drama, Office, Fashion, Power Dynamic	Hirachell, Domi, Nokdu	8.97/10	Ongoing

9. To Love Your Enemy

“To Love Your Enemy” is generally praised for its unique premise, character development, and satisfying conclusion.  

The webtoon’s strength lies in its ability to explore complex relationships, particularly the evolution of a romance that begins with strong animosity.  

It also gets high marks for its engaging plot and the satisfying resolution of the main conflicts. The webtoon excels at showcasing the gradual changes in the main characters as they navigate their evolving feelings.  

The audience witnesses their growth and the transformation of their relationships as they navigate their new reality.  

The ending of the webtoon is often praised for its ability to bring closure to the main storyline. It resolves the major conflicts and leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction.  

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Enemies To Lovers	Jungyoon, Taegeon	9.93/10	Ongoing

10. Our Paradise

This story is not dark and does not contain graphic content. I usually prefer stories with strong emotions about real-life issues, but I still enjoyed this one.  

The lack of serious themes gives the story a simple view of life, which might be why this webtoon/manhwa is so popular.  

It offers a safe escape from the world’s problems. I appreciate that all the characters support Maehwa and Jaewon being gay. Unfortunately, not everyone is accepted for their sexuality. 

It’s great to see all the characters being supportive friends. I am looking forward to following Maehwa and Jaewon’s journey. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
BL, Romance	Greeneer	9/10	Ongoing

11. She’s Hopeless

I like the author of this webtoon. Her previous stories were great and had depth. This story is also complex, dramatic, and interesting.  

However, if you’re looking for romance like in her earlier works, you might want to skip this webtoon. The female lead is not a good romantic character.  

She is manipulative and abusive, which makes it hard to watch. Yes, she had a tragic past, but that doesn’t excuse her actions towards others.  

If you’re looking for an engaging story with complex characters, this might be for you, but if you’re seeking something sweet, stay away! 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Drama, Thriller	Seok-Woo	9/10	Finished

12. Another Love

“Another Love,” a Korean webtoon, is a contemporary romance series that explores themes of healing from past trauma and finding love in a mature and realistic way.  

The webtoon is known for its well-developed characters, particularly the female lead, who is portrayed as accomplished and passionate about her career.  

The male lead, a CEO, is also depicted as likable and not a typical domineering stereotype, which contributes to a strong chemistry between them.  

The story also handles the FL’s previous abusive relationship with sensitivity and avoids clichés, focusing on healing and growth.  

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Psychological Drama	Rin	9/10	Ongoing

13. Age Matters

This manhwa flips the usual age gap in relationships. Rose Choi is nearly 30, while Daniel Yoon, a CEO and billionaire, is in his early twenties. This difference sparks discussions about age in couples. 

Rose wants to change her life and possibly find romance. It makes sense that she ends up working for Daniel, and their professional relationship develops into something more. 

This story is a popular example of office and workplace manhwa. It is a charming read with well-developed characters and engaging side plots.  

The characters will face key challenges at work, including an attempted murder, which will showcase both Daniel and Rose’s skills.  

This makes them a strong couple, both in their personal lives and in their professional lives. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Office, Power Dynamic, Age Difference	Enjelicious	9.5/10	Completed

14. Till Debt Do Us Part

This story is simple and easy to follow. It’s perfect for those times when you want a break from intense drama and romance but still want something engaging.  

The plot, art, and characters are all relaxed. I highly recommend it. I really enjoy this story. The art is amazing, and I love “enemies to lovers” tales, so I really enjoyed it.  

Soobin is funny and always makes me laugh. I can say she is one of my favorite characters in Korean webtoons. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Young Adult	Janggreen and Flowbee.	9/10	Ongoing

15. When Jasy Whistles

“When Jasy Whistles,” a completed Korean webtoon, is often praised for its beautiful art, engaging plot, and unique take on Paraguayan mythology.  

The story blends romance, drama, and supernatural elements, offering a captivating experience for readers.  

While many enjoy the complex characters and intriguing world-building, some find the main romance less compelling.  

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Thriller, Slice of Life	Cibeles	8.5/10	Finished

16. The Nuna At Our Office

Manager Son feels bored with his office job until he is moved to a new department where he meets Manager Ahn, a charming and skilled coworker.  

However, he soon discovers that Manager Ahn is more complex than she seems. She is independent and strong-willed, and she does not let anyone stand in her way.  

Can their love grow into something deeper? Or will it fade as quickly as it starts? The artwork is beautiful and engages readers, and the characters feel realistic.  

The story has a literary style rather than following genre conventions. It reads like a confession—episodic and mature.  

Oh, just a little extra info! If you enjoy the anime 5 Centimeters Per Second, you might like this office romance webtoon. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Office Drama	WasakBasak and JANE	7.5/10	Finished

17. Before We Knew It

Although this one is controversial, with the audience having mixed feelings about it, I liked it.  

Yes, the plot was a cliche. But you know, this is one of those cliche romance novels where you just like to surrender to it and just have a good time.  

Also, you should know that, if you haven’t read it already, this is one of those Koran webtons, while marketed as a romance, it offers a more compelling and realistic portrayal of workplace drama.  

Furthermore, it is a character’s journey through challenges and self-discovery. The story focuses on a young editor’s efforts to support a talented but troubled author, showcasing a unique blend of romance, heartache, and personal growth.  

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance, Slice of Life	Nakano Mayaka	8.4/10	Finished

18. It’s Just Business

This manhwa is a romantic comedy set in an office. It flips the usual power dynamic. The Female Lead, Eunho, holds a higher position and is responsible for training the new employee, Ji-ung Seo.  

Their relationship is fun—Eunho is tough and serious, while Ji-ung Seo is cheerful and eager. Readers will enjoy the funny moments between them. 

The story also highlights a class difference. Eunho struggles to pay her bills and has no connections.  

On the other hand, his grandfather and the company CEO pressure Ji-ung Seo to take the job. Will he work hard to prove himself?  

How will Eunho handle her new responsibility? You’ll need to read the manhwa to find out. 

Genre	Creator	Ratings	Ongoing Status
Romance	Soy & Bee	8.5/10	Ongoing

This is it, you guys! Ui have given you a full overview of the Korean webtoons, and also recommended some of the must-reads.  

Do you have any more suggestions for me? Please share it with me by commenting in the comment box below!

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