If you’re an avid manhwa reader who has already devoured the popular titles and are still craving more, this list is for you. With the growing popularity of manhwa, many incredible stories get overshadowed by mainstream hits.
That’s why I’ve put together this collection of 20 underrated manhwa that deserve more love and attention. From hidden gems with unique storytelling to lesser-known works that explore fresh genres, these recommendations are perfect for readers who want to discover something new and exciting. Let’s dive directly into it.
- Master villainess the invincible
- Tyrant of the tower defense game
- I reincarnated as a legendary surgeon
- The nebula’s civilization
- A man’s man
- Parallel city
- Cheolsu save the world
- The embodiment of an assassin In a murim world
- Flawed almighty
- The book of lagier
- God of blackfield
- The first hunter
- Ghost king
- Knight under my heart
- The life changing turn
- Chunchu
- Way to heaven
- Distant sky
- The lazy lord master the sword
- Corpse knight gunther
20. Corpse Knight Gunther
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Dark Fantasy | 90 | Completed | 7/10 | 7.05☆ |
I loved this story! The monster designs, setting, and characters are all great. The MC seems reckless, but he’s actually thoughtful and strategic. The fight scenes are intense, and some of the vampire backstories are heartbreaking. ”The story is as follows “the war between humans and vampires has ended with the victory of the vampires.
In an effort to strike back, human refugees in the Holy Land “Bahal” successfully create an undying Corpse Knight, attached to a power source that can sustain him. Gunther, former gladiator and now corpse knight, is humanity’s last hope.
19. THE LAZY LORD MASTERS THE SWORD
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Swordmaship | 124 | Ongoing | 8/10 | 7.68☆ |
This manhwa may rely on familiar tropes, but its exceptional storytelling and well-balanced pacing set it apart from the crowd. It’s no surprise that it earned a spot on our list.
After witnessing the shocking death of his mother, young Airen Farreira uses sleep to escape his painful reality, earning him the nickname, “the lazy lord”. Yet, in spite of others’ jeers and whispers, Airen has no intention of changing his ways. But when he awakens one day from a dream about a mysterious swordsman, his life’s trajectory takes a complete turn…
18. Distant Sky
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Horror, Survival | 114 | Completed | 7/10 | 7.74☆ |
A chilling blend of depression and horror, this manhwa presents a terrifying scenario that’s genuinely unsettling. I read it years ago, and it’s still a standout pick.
A boy wakes up to find himself in a building full of dead people. No cars, no electricity and no stars in the sky… Not only Gangnam, but the entire city seems deserted
17. Way To Heaven
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Martial Arts | 196 | Completed | 7/10 | 7.42 |
Believe me when I say this is a masterpiece! I’m surprised I only discovered it this year – it’s ridiculously underrated. If you’re a fan of murim manhwa, do not miss this hidden gem,
A strange relationship began when orphan siblings met an old lady who claims to be their grandmother. However, the old woman is a Grandmaster from Murim, who has lost her memory loss due to a disease. The old lady recognizes the hidden talent of the eldest sibling and starts to train him. Thus begins the journey of last disciple of Jinmu Shin Mo, the boy who is destined to reach the pinnacle of heavens.
16. Chunchu
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Prophecy | 101 | Hiatus | 7.5/10 | 7.45☆ |
A classic manhwa for the OG fans, originally published in black and white in 2000. It was revamped with stunning full-color artwork in 2014. Unfortunately, it’s been on hiatus for 11 months with no clear update on its return.
In a time of chaos and war, a godforsaken era, twin sons are born to an emperor. But legend states that the son of the emperor shall be born a demon! But twins? Who is the demon, and who shall reign as emperor?
15.The Life Changing Turn
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATINGS |
| Drama, School | 39 | Completed | 8/10 | 7.02☆ |
I’m not a fan of drama, but this one’s an exception. With under 40 chapters, it effectively delivers its message. It’s hilarious, entertaining, and a must-read – even for action fans like myself!”
“Did I hit a man?” With a mayor father, and one foot in Hankuk University, high school student Cho Soo is living the high life. One mistake leads to a hit-and-run. “It’s okay because no one saw it”, she thinks. But her life is slowly cracking down when the messages of M, an eyewitness who seemed to know everything, flying towards her.
14. Knight Under My Heart
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Virtual reality | 40 | Completed | 7/10 | 7.16☆ |
Have you ever skipped studying to play video games? Unfortunately for high school senior Yushin Lee, the stakes are a little higher than flunking, as he finds himself trapped in a VR-based MMORPG. Yushin was selected to beta test the game, only to be forced to fight for his life in a seemingly endless loop.
What was supposed to be a light distraction from the stress of high-school life becomes a desperate struggle for survival as Yushin battles his way through REAL Online, a dark fantasy world created by a mysterious tech company with uncertain motives.
13. Ghost King
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Martial arts | 83 | Completed | 810 | 6.67☆ |
This is another great one that I read a long time ago. Despite its low ratings, don’t be fooled by the ratings – it’s actually really good
“Imagine a world where people are divided into those with martial arts powers and those without. Taeyeon Kang is one of the lucky few born with these abilities. He joins Murim Police University, a special school for powered individuals who fight for justice.
But Taeyeon has a secret: he’s searching for the truth behind his father’s disappearance and seeking protection from the Evil Murim Faction, who’ll stop at nothing to get his family’s ancient martial arts techniques. Meanwhile, the legendary Ghost King reemerges after years in hiding. Who is this masked anti-hero, and what’s his true purpose?”
12. The First Hunter
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Supernatural | 101 | Completed | 8/10 | 7.44☆ |
This one’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of story. It’s extremely well-done, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re not hooked by the first few chapters, I’d say it’s okay to drop it.”
When monsters attack the world, a small portion of the population discovers special powers that help them fight these monsters. Of this group, one man stands out above them all. Taehun Kim’s experience as a special forces soldier makes him a deadly hunter of monsters, both human and non-human.
But when a magical artifact prophesizes Taehun’s death several years in the future, he must fight to change his fate, and the fate of the world. Can Taehun and his team survive this apocalyptic wasteland?
11. God Of Blackfield
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Reincarnation | 206 | Ongoing | 8/10 | 7.06☆ |
This hidden gem is on par with other top-notch series in its genre, yet it flies under the radar. I couldn’t help but wonder why it’s not more widely discussed – it’s truly that good
Leaving only black soot and dead bodies in his wake, Kang Chan, the “God of Blackfield,” struck fear into the hearts of his enemies.
But one day, in the chaos of battle, his life was abruptly snuffed out.
“I’ve been shot… but the bullet came from behind me!”
Revived three years later, this “god” is now a wimpy high schooler with major problems — savage bullies, shady business dealings, and even girls.
10. The Book Of Lagier
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Supernatural | 83 | Hiatus | 7/10 | 6.38☆ |
From here on out, every recommendation is a must-read. This one stands out, despite using the familiar ‘summoning the demon king’ trope. The storytelling is exceptionally well-crafted, making it a compelling read.
What happens when a good-for-nothing human prince signs a contract with an all-powerful Demon King? Well, the prince dies instantly, and the Demon King is forced to take his place. But wait, there’s another catch!
As the new Prince Lagier, the Demon King is obligated to fulfill the prince’s last wishes or never return to his former body. Join the Demon King and his demon friends as he gets in shape, battles the Angels, and races against time to complete his missions before it’s too late.
9. Flawed Almighty
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Survival | 121 | Completed | 7/10 | 7.45☆ |
This is a masterpiece among masterpieces. While it may not be widely known, it’s certainly not underrated. If you enjoy dark fantasy series like Bastard and Pigpen consider this a must-read.
Do good or go to hell. The conditions of his new curse seem simple enough for once-hopeful hoodlum Jeonji Kim. Or so it seems when his perky guardian angel shows up on his doorstep one day and heals his limp. But will simply going through the motions of helping people be enough to appease a petty god with a grudge?
8. The Embodiment Of An Assassin In A Murim World
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Martial arts | 39 | Ongoing | 8/10 | 7.26☆ |
Honestly, the story in this one is fairly average, and the character development doesn’t particularly stand out. However, the main character’s vibe is spot on, and the humor is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny – making it worth checking out for the comedic relief alone,
The No.1 Hitman, Kim Gun, finds himself plunged into the world of martial arts due to a mysterious accident. To return to his original world, he must complete a mission called ‘Martial Arts Conquest.’
With a total of 2 guns, Kim Gun’s adventure to subdue the unfamiliar martial arts world begins.
7. Cheolsu Saves the World
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Sci-Fi | 69 | Completed | 7/10 | 7.88☆ |
Consider this a must-read for any serious manhwa fan – it’s an absolute hidden gem. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re missing out on something truly exceptional. Even if you don’t like sci-fi manhwa you need to give this one a try
A massive asteroid is about to hit earth!
Humanity has failed to stop a giant asteroid from plummeting into Earth, and life as we know it has ended. An ordinary Korean office worker named Cheolsu is somehow given the chance to go back in time and prevent this catastrophe from ever happening. Does he have a chance?
6. Parallel City
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Survival | 149 | Completed | 6/10 | 7.64☆ |
No need for a lengthy introduction – this one speaks for itself. Give it a try, and if it doesn’t grab you within the first few chapters, feel free to move on.
Can two people look exactly alike? Fear sweeps the city as people report seeing their own doubles. Then the disappearances start. Mere coincidence? Or are the mysterious twins harbingers of bad luck? Whatever they are, if you spot one, you better think fast!
5. A Man’s Man
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ||
| Business | 190 | Ongoing | 7/10 | 7.80☆ |
I’m absolutely obsessed with this webtoon! From start to the recent chapters, the author masterfully keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and strategic plot moves. I’m eagerly anticipating the conclusion. Despite its exceptional quality, I think it’s extremely underrated – it deserves more love.
Yuhyeon becomes the youngest CEO of Hansung, a successful electronics company built on toxic work culture, but nobody he cares about is there to celebrate with him. After a night of drinking and wondering if he could change the past, he wakes up the next morning, 20 years younger at the beginning of his career.
Armed with the experience and insights that made him CEO, Yuhyeon begins to revisit broken relationships and battle the enablers of Hansung’s cut-throat work environment. But he does not yet know how changing the past will affect his future…
4. The Nebula’s Civilization
This fantasy series stands out from the crowd with its exceptional world-building, engaging characters, and well-designed system. A major bonus for me is that it doesn’t follow the harem trope, avoiding the common pitfall of objectifying female characters. If you’re looking for a refreshing fantasy read, this one’s definitely worth checking out!
Seong-un Choi is the top-ranked player in the game “Lost World,” being the only player to have completed all its achievements. However, his triumph is short-lived as a mysterious message transports him to the real “Lost World,” transforming him from a mere gamer to a contender for godhood. Amidst others vying for divinity, will Seong-un be able to achieve true godhood and reign supreme in this new realm?
3. I Reincarnated As A legendary Surgeon
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Medical | 120 | Ongoing | 7/10 | 7.51 |
If you enjoyed ‘Doctor’s Rebirth’, you’ll love this series. It shares many similarities, but with a unique twist. The MC starts from humble beginnings, using his past experiences to revolutionize the medicine world in the murim. With its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and meticulous world-building, this series has everything you could want and more. In my opinion, it’s the best medical manhwa I’ve ever read – a true masterpiece.”
Dr. Han Jinsoo always tried to live a righteous life, but in return, he got fired, swindled by a conman, and killed by his own professor. Luckily, a mysterious being offers him a second chance at life because of all the good deeds he had performed. The only problem is… he comes back to life as as Hua Tuo, the legendary Chinese physician, in the turbulent period of the Eastern Han Dynasty! Will he be able to survive in this era of wars and heroes as a surgeon without so much as a scalpel?
2. Tyrant Of The Tower Defense Game
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| KingdomBuilding | 116 | Ongoing | 8/10 | 7.77 |
I always recommend ‘Tyrant of the Tower’ when discussing top-tier manhwa – it’s simply exceptional. The story is engaging, with a unique premise that reminds me of attack on titans and game if thrones where everyone and anyone can die.
Protect the Empire” was considered unbeatable for over a decade until streamer extraordinaire “Mr. Gamer Geek” comes along and defeats the game on its hardest mode. But just when he’s about to rest on his laurels, he’s sucked into the world of the game by some mysterious figure and thrust into Prince Ash’s body!
Ash now realizes that every click and command he had mindlessly sent out had real, gruesome costs – including his teammates’ lives that he sacrificed for the sake of victory. To make up for his previous actions, Ash promises to keep his whole team alive this time while using his wits and knowledge to survive the hellish onslaught of monsters. But who brought him to this world in the first place, and why?
Ash may soon find the answers to these questions – if he can survive the bloody battlefield first!
1. Master villainess the invincible
| THEME | CHAPTERS | STATUS | ART | RATING |
| Isekai | 119 | Ongoing | 8/10 | 7.41☆ |
Despite not typically being a fan of female leads, I’m ranking this manhwa as my number one – it’s that impressive. If you enjoy the murim genre, don’t miss out on this hidden gem. I’ll leave it at that, as I don’t want to spoil the experience.
Yeoju is a second-rate author living a mediocre existence in modern-day Korea. A tragic accident lands her in the plot of a bestselling martial arts novel and she wakes up as the infamous villainess Haewon Tang. Hoping to save herself from a gruesome death, Yeoju must figure out who to trust, harness Haewon’s inner chi, and learn martial arts as she fights to save the Sichuan Tang Clan. Can she change the outcome of the novel and prove she’s the worthy hero?
“I’m pleased to have completed all 20 manhwa recommendations, and I appreciate the opportunity to explore these exceptional titles. For more recommendations updates, and discussions, consider subscribing to my Telegram channel ��
