While manga thrives on weekly readership, the reading culture surrounding manhwa and webtoons is mostly centered around binge-reading. Given how slowly chapters come out and the long breaks between seasons that can sometimes stretch out indefinitely, most readers are content to let a series “marinate” or accumulate a good chunk of chapters before giving it a chance, while some simply wait for it to be completed.
This means there’s always a demand for completed manhwa regardless of the genre. Luckily, over the last few years alone, multiple excellent webtoons and manhwa have wrapped up their stories, with well-received endings at that. And, now that they’re complete, there’s no reason for anyone to skip them any longer.
Bring the Love (2019)
Written and Illustrated by Zestkyo
Of all the historical romance manhwa out there, Bring the Love is one of the few stories that has remained an underrated gem till the end. The series follows Leah Hildebrandt, who enters a political marriage after her father’s death leaves her family in a precarious situation.
Left with few options, Leah is forced to marry Roxant Kroemer, who has a reputation for being a tyrant; however, she quickly finds that behind his imposing scar and reputation hides a gentle, caring man. Thus, Bring the Love sets the stage for a beautiful, wholesome, and healthy romance to blossom between the two, which is truly refreshing amidst the onslaught of toxic romances.
Mr. Delivery Knight (2024)
Written and Illustrated by Maja
The isekai genre is widely known to be full of clichés, though none is as famous as the “truck-kun” trope, and Mr. Delivery Knight offers perhaps the most entertaining inversion of this trope. Mr. Delivery Knight takes off on the wild premise of what if the one transmigrated into a new world wasn’t the person hit by the truck but the driver and the truck itself. Thus, Bae Taekjin is thrust into the world of a romantasy novel, knowing absolutely nothing about the genre.
Taekjin and his truck quickly find themselves at the heart of the story, and what ensues is a hilarious isekai parody with a heartwarming ending. And, with only 40 chapters, Mr. Delivery Knight is the perfect breath of fresh air between the sea of isekai stories that take themselves too seriously.
Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story (2023)
Based on the Web Novel by Lemon Frog & Illustrated by A-jin
Most villainess and otome isekai manhwa tend to fall into the same old tropes, which is exactly what makes a series like Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story stand out so much. Like its title claims, the series starts out like another with Suna Choi being reincarnated into a novel as the villainess, Edith Ridgelhof, an infamous seductress and spy who is married off to Killian Rudwick to supposedly ease a family feud.
Edith, like any other villainess, aims to avoid her predestined death; however, the story quickly proves to be anything but typical as she discovers she must fight against the force of the original story and the authority of its author as well, who are both trying to keep the original plot on track. These twists make the series quite refreshing and compelling at the same time. Not Your Typical Reincarnation Story also wrapped up with 115 chapters and quite a cute, satisfying ending, leaving no reason not to binge the series.
Yumi’s Cells (2015)
Original Series Written and Illustrated by Lee Dong-gun
If you were a fan of Inside Out, look no further than an entire series about the inner turmoil of one’s inner thoughts, all acting out of whack, known as Yumi’s Cells. This hilarious series explores the many different cells within a young woman, Yumi, as each emotion and desire is now personified.
Although Yumi’s Cells has plenty of hilarious moments, it also has quite a few instances of self-reflection and exploration as Yumi traverses through the many ups and downs of life, from breakups, endangered friendships, and mental health issues. Readers will find themselves relating to or sympathizing with Yumi as her body works hard to maintain her health and happiness.
The God of High School (2011)
Original Series Written & Illustrated by Yongje Park
The God of High School was once the most popular manhwa on WEBTOON, running for more than a decade before ending in 2022 with a total of 569 chapters. The story centers around Jin Mori, a high school student who is incredibly skilled in martial arts and who enters a big tournament and meets two participants, Han Daewi and Yu Mira.
As the story and competition progress, the hidden mystery behind the tournament is steadily revealed, and how the three of them are bound by destiny. The God of High School’s start might be generic, but the characters have to deal with evil power users gradually reaching mystic levels that involve the human and heavenly realms, presenting many references to Chinese folklore and other mythologies.
With a clear inspiration from Journey to the West, a novel about Sun Wukong, The God of High School is most remembered for its incredibly detailed and stunning art and its exciting combats, making it a manhwa that nobody should miss.
Her Tale of Shim Chong (2017)
Based on a Korean Novel, Adapted and Written by Seri, and Illustrated by Biwan
Her Tale of Shim Chong is a lovely manhwa that focuses on two female leads from very different backgrounds: Shim Chong is a beggar, struggling to make ends meet, and a bride-to-be who was sold off to Chancellor Jang to help with her family’s status. Taking place in an older timeline, the manhwa highlights the difficulties society pushes onto women.
Based on the classic Korean novel, Her Tale of Shim Chong’s manhwa is a well-adapted series that paints a realistic depiction of how traditional values are placed upon women, pushing them into a cookie-cutter role with little other options. Despite this, it balances a hopeful and supportive couple who aim to survive in an era that’s constantly working against them.
Who Made Me a Princess (2017)
Based on the Web Novel by Plutus & Illustrated by Spoon
Although being reborn as a princess may sound like a dream come true, a modern-day Korean woman knows that fate is anything but kind when she wakes up as Athanasia de Alger Obelia, a character in a novel. Rather than living a carefree and enviable life, she is destined to be executed by her tyrannical father on her 18th birthday.
After her first plan, of completely avoiding her father and preparing for her escape, fails, she turns to her last resort, that of warming up to the cold emperor and gaining his favor. Proving that original stories can be told even in a theme as saturated as isekai manhwa.
Who Made Me a Princess follows a familial relationship first and foremost, emphasizing emotionally impactful developments. While a romance subplot is present as well, that is far from this title’s focus, with the main characters’ heartwarming father-daughter relationship taking that place instead. Its beautiful and vibrant art style is also exceptional, which only further elevates the experience.
Seasons of Blossom (2020)
Original Series Written by HONGDUCK & Illustrated by NEMONE
Youth is a confusing time, filled with positive and negative moments alike. From the hardships that many inevitably face while growing up, to the freedom inherently afforded to those with fewer responsibilities than ever, the experiences that occur in this time often allow one to reflect and mature.
To adolescents still trying to figure themselves out, feelings of love can be as beneficial as they can be damaging. However, everyone has their own journey to go through, and each of these teenagers will have to learn to love themselves before anything else.
As one of the best romance manhwa out there, Seasons of Blossom beautifully and tactfully explores all aspects of youth, including unpleasant yet important topics such as trauma and coping mechanisms thereof. Following 4 complex and realistic protagonists during 4 seasons, the story manages to evoke a variety of emotions, proving heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure.
The Boxer (2019)
Original Series Written & Illustrated by Ji-Hun Jeong
As a victim of continuous, cruel bullying, Yu’s experiences made him apathetic to the point where he simply tolerates the idea of being beaten by others, despite having the ability to easily dodge their attacks. Everything changes when K, an experienced boxing trainer who trained several world champions, takes note of Yu and senses his unrealized potential.
The moment Yu accepts K’s offer marks the beginning of his journey in the complicated world of professional boxing, as well as the start of his evolution as a person. The Boxer is a deeply reflective and inspiring title that effortlessly blends dynamic action scenes with emotional ones.
Though it may seem like a typical sports story of an underdog aiming for the top at first glance, it eventually reveals itself to be much more than what is presented on a surface level. Beyond its apparent story lies a profound character-driven drama, which explores themes of meaning, humanity, and overcoming hardships.
Leviathan (2018)
Original Series Written by Lee Gyuntak & Illustrated by Noh Miyoung
The series follows Bota and Kana in a world engulfed by the sea, living off what little they can scavenge despite the aquatic terrors that live beneath the surface. The survival and tenacity of its characters make it easy to compare Leviathan to popular manga like Attack on Titan, which is not a stretch after seeing the creatures featured.
It also has some of the most satisfying and glorious kills for its heroes that’ll surely stick with action manhwa readers. Between a beautiful art style and a world to uncover, Leviathan is sure to keep you engaged from its first chapter to its very last.
