What Is Manhwa?

Manhwa (만화) is the Korean equivalent of manga — comics and graphic novels produced in South Korea. While they share DNA with Japanese manga, manhwa has its own distinct visual style: full-color artwork (most manhwa is released digitally in color), vertical scrolling panels designed for reading on phones and tablets, and a tendency toward darker, more cinematic storytelling. The genre exploded globally when platforms like Webtoon and Kakao made manhwa freely accessible worldwide.

Manhwa is read left-to-right (unlike Japanese manga which reads right-to-left), and most series are published as "seasons" rather than volumes. Many of the most popular manhwa — like Solo Leveling and The Beginning After the End — began as web novels before receiving manhwa adaptations. Our guides clarify which chapters belong to which season and whether to read the source novel first.

All Manhwa Reading Order Guides

Where to Start With Manhwa