Manhwa, the Korean cousin of Chinese manhua and Japanese manga, is becoming more and more popular across the globe for its striking artwork and distinctive narrative. Romance is one of the most popular genres, drawing readers in with touching stories of drama, love, and occasionally surprising turns. These must-read romance manhwa will enthral you whether you’re new to manhwa or an experienced reader searching for new choices.
1. “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” by Kim Myeongmi and Jeong Gyeong-yun
“What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?” is a highly cherished romance manhwa that narrates the tale of Lee Young Joon, the meticulous vice president, and Kim Mi So, his competent secretary. Kim Mi So surprises her boss by deciding to retire after nine years of coworkership. They both begin to face their repressed emotions as Young Joon tries to stop her from going. Any fan of romance should read this manhwa since it provides a great blend of humour, romance, and character development.
2. “My ID is Gangnam Beauty” by Maeng Kee
The delicate subject of beauty standards in Korean society is addressed in this manhwa. After being teased for her appearance, Kang Mi Rae has plastic surgery to start over. But she finds out that it’s hard to completely eradicate her fears and cultural pressures. Her quest for self-awareness and her developing relationship with the charming and generous Do Kyung Seok offer an emotionally charged and thought-provoking story. “My ID is Gangnam Beauty” delves deeply into the concept of beauty and self-acceptance.
3. “Cheese in the Trap” by Soonkki
“Cheese in the Trap” is a psychological romance that explores the intricacies of relationships. It revolves around Yoo Jung, an apparently flawless senior with a dark side, and Hong Seol, a dedicated college student. The narrative delves into their complex relationship, which is rife with miscommunications and emotional upheaval. The manhwa is an engaging book that holds readers’ attention from beginning to end because of its realistic depiction of college life and in-depth character analysis.
4. “Something About Us” by Lee Yunji
This film “Something About Us” offers a novel perspective on the friends-to-lovers cliché. The narrative tracks Do Ga Young and Han Woo Jin, who have been close friends since high school, as they work through their changing feelings for one another. The subtleties of friendship, love, and the passage between the two are expertly captured in the manhwa. This story offers readers a heartwarming and realistic representation of young love because of its sympathetic characters and their honest interactions.
5. “The Remarried Empress” by Alphatart and Sumpul
“The Remarried Empress” is a fantasy novel that follows Empress Navier, whose life is completely upended when her husband, Emperor Sovieshu, chooses to divorce her in order to wed his concubine. Navier, unfazed, chooses to get married again and ends up getting involved with Henry, the king of a nearby kingdom. This manhwa is notable for its sophisticated, powerful heroine as well as its complex narrative, which is full of romance, treachery, and political intrigue. The exquisite illustrations and deeply nuanced characters augment the reading experience even further.
6. “True Beauty” by Yaongyi
“True Beauty” delves into the lives of Lim Ju Kyung, a high school student who turns into a beauty expert by perfecting the application of cosmetics to hide her true features. The narrative explores her quest for self-acceptance and self-love as well as her connections with two endearing lads, Lee Su Ho and Han Seo Jun. The manhwa delivers a perceptive reflection on the pressures of beauty standards in contemporary culture in addition to a charming romance story.
7. “A Good Day to be a Dog” by Lee Hye
This original manhwa combines fantasy elements with romance. Han Hae Na, a lady cursed to change into a dog whenever she kisses a man, must work through her unusual situation in an attempt to lift the curse. Her coworker Jin Seo Won, who is afraid of dogs, is her only hope. Their unique situation creates touching and funny moments as they get to know each other better. A delightful and funny tale, “A Good Day to be a Dog” presents a novel perspective on the romance genre.
8. “Light and Shadow” by Ryu Hyang and Hee Won
“Light and Shadow” is a compelling historical romance that tells the tale of Edna, a maid who is compelled to wed Duke Eli, a man with a murky history. Even though they are initially hostile, they eventually become very close. The manhwa is lauded for its intricate storyline, rich historical backdrop, and character development. The right amount of drama, romance, and mystery combine to create “Light and Shadow” a compelling book.
9. “Orange Marmalade” by Seok Woo
The supernatural twist in “Orange Marmalade” is a high school romance. In a society where vampires and humans cohabit, Baek Ma Ri finds it difficult to maintain a regular life while keeping her actual identity hidden. When she unintentionally bites Jung Jae Min, a popular boy at school, her life changes drastically. Encased in a lovely and heartfelt romance, the novel tackles themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the need to belong.
10. “The Bride of the Water God” by Yoon Mi-Kyung
“The Bride of the Water God” is a beloved romantic comedy that tells the story of Soah, a young woman who was offered as a sacrifice to Habaek, the Water God, in order to alleviate a drought. She learns, nevertheless, that Habaek is not who he seems to be. The manhwa’s rich mythology, magnificent illustrations, and nuanced characters combine to create an engrossing and captivating narrative that immerses readers in a fantastical setting.
Conclusion
Manhwa provides a wide variety of romance stories to suit a spectrum of tastes and inclinations. There is a romance manhwa out there that will win your heart, regardless of whether you like historical dramas, mythical worlds, or modern settings. The stories listed above only scratch the surface of the vast array of romantic tales found in the manhwa genre. Explore and immerse yourself in these exquisitely written stories of self-discovery, growth, and love. Enjoy your reading!