If you've been watching K-dramas and someone mentions the webtoon it was based on, you might be curious β but also a little overwhelmed. Thousands of webtoons, different platforms, different art styles. Where do you even begin?
Start with romance. It's the most popular genre for a reason β emotionally satisfying, visually beautiful, and incredibly easy to get lost in. These 8 webtoons are my personal recommendations for complete beginners.
Webtoons are Korean digital comics designed for phones β you scroll vertically instead of turning pages. Most are free to read on apps like Webtoon (LINE Webtoon) or Tapas. New episodes drop weekly, like TV shows.
The 8 best romance webtoons to start with
A girl who's bullied for her appearance learns advanced makeup and transforms into the most beautiful girl at school β but two boys see through her disguise and fall for her anyway. Funny, swoony, and deeply relatable. The drama adaptation (2020) is also excellent.
A girl who swore off relationships after being hurt finds herself tangled up with two very different brothers. Realistic, emotionally complex characters and one of the most beautiful art styles in the medium. Beloved globally for its warm, human storytelling.
Greek mythology retold as a modern romance β Persephone and Hades as twenty-somethings navigating love, trauma, and power in a pastel-coloured divine world. Technically not Korean but published on Webtoon and hugely popular among K-webtoon fans. Winner of multiple Eisner Awards.
A commoner girl witnesses something she shouldn't and is taken into the royal palace to be silenced β or perhaps kept close for other reasons. Historical fantasy romance with incredible tension and a deeply satisfying slowburn. Perfect for fans of historical K-dramas.
A college girl can't figure out if the perfect, charming senior who's suddenly paying attention to her is genuinely kind β or deeply dangerous. Psychological, tense, and brilliantly plotted. One of the most acclaimed Korean webtoons ever created. Also adapted into a K-drama (2016).
An indie game developer finds that her new neighbour is a famous livestreamer who accidentally tanked her game's launch. Funny, warm, and deeply relatable for anyone who's ever had social anxiety. The art style is expressive and the humour is genuinely laugh-out-loud.
Two best friends who have slowly, quietly fallen in love with each other β a slow-burn friends-to-lovers story that feels achingly real. Simple, beautiful art. Quiet emotional moments that hit harder than dramatic declarations. This one stays with you.
A 29-year-old woman who just lost her job meets a 23-year-old CEO who hires her as his personal assistant. Age gap romance, workplace hijinks, and an adorably clueless young male lead. Light, fun, and very easy to read in one sitting.
Try our Webtoon Finder β just describe the kind of story you're in the mood for and our AI will suggest the perfect webtoon for you.