Manhwa
Historical Romance Manhwa – 50+ royalty recommendations
Would you like some tea, Mylord? And for the lady maybe a tartlet? Of course – coming right up: My 20 favorite historical Romance Manhwa with royalty. And many many more recommendations or inspirations for you to check out.
Best historical Romance Manhwa: Top 1 – 10
1.Princess imprints a traitor
Summary: Evenrose and Michael are the protagonists in this story. They both live in different worlds: He is a homunculus, a race that is only used for slavery and manual labor in the kingdom. She on the other hand is a princess in the royal palace. In order to abandon slavery and change the system, she tries to gain her father’s favor and be his successor. This Manhwa is a time-reversal story and is one of the few who actually explain why time was reversed. I love it.
You should check it out if you:
- like it when the male lead has to protect the female lead (master-bodyguard relationship)
- love reading about a female lead that is really kind and has a huge goal: abandoning slavery
- like it when the male lead is pretty distrusting at first but quickly becomes fond of the female lead
2. I shall master this family
Summary: After the death of Firentias grandfather the great Lombardi family fell into ruin at the hands of her cousins. Firentia had to watch all of it and couldn’t interfere. While getting drunk out of frustration she got hit by a carriage and woke up as her seven-year-old self. She uses her chance to become the next head of the family and protect the Lombardi legacy.
You should check this historical Romance Manhwa out if you:
- like seeing adults being startled by a little girl
- love reading a royalty Manhwa about the most lovable Manhwa-Dad in history
- like reading a perfect story with perfect art (yes I’m fangirling for this one)
3. I married the Male Lead’s Dad
Summary: Before the female lead Aisha reincarnated into her favorite novel “Persona” she was a huge fan of Abel, the main character. After she started her life in the novel she took her stanning to a new level and send him gifts. One day Abels Dad summons her because he gets a hold of her actions. But there is a misunderstanding: He thinks Aisha is fangirling for him. That’s how their relationship starts. Read this Manhwa on Tapas.
The summary sounds kind of wack, I know, but please don’t hesitate and read this masterpiece.
You should check it out if you:
- (like when the male lead has boobs – I’m kidding his chest is just drawn a bit weirdly)
- love reading a historical Romance Manhwa with a smart female lead that actually thinks logically
- like reading a great and refreshing plot with a pretty dark side
- love it when the male lead falls in love first (he is a great ml – in my top 5 for sure)
4. How to protect the female leads older Brother
Summary: Roxana is part of a villainous family of assassins: the Agriches. After reincarnating she knows the course of the 18+ novel and tries to prevent her own death by saving the life of Cassis Pedelian – the heroine’s brother. It’s pretty risky because she has to pretend to torture him in front of her family. Want to read more villainous-Manhwa where the villainess is actually a villainess? Check out this list: Villainess Manwa.
You should check this Royalty Manhwa out if you:
- want to read a historical Romance Manhwa with godlike art
- don’t mind a story with psychotic characters and mild gore (I love the characters, it’s refreshing)
- like to see love blossom in a toxic environment
5. Villain’s are Destined to Die
Summary: After playing an otome game the female lead got warped into the game itself and has to live as the villainess Penelope Eckhart. The problem is: the game is on hard mode. So she is afraid to die from every little mistake she makes. Her only indication of how she is doing is the affection bar on top of the male love interests.
- don’t mind when everyone treats the female lead very poorly in the beginning
- love to read a historical Romance Manhwa with really gorgeous art (I know, I’m kind of repeating myself)
- like it when you don’t really know who the male lead is
6. I stan the prince
Summary: Angela is a huge fan of Prince Rayburn – she even wrote fanfic for him. To her surprise, the cringey fanfic she wrote got published behind her back and became a huge success. When the imperial family notices the fanfic they are searching for the author and want her head for treason. Rayburn’s sister Hoya takes her in to protect her and in exchange, she has to write a sequel of her novel in secret to improve Rayburn’s reputation. To inspire her she spends more time with Rayburn. The story is intriguing. It’s not the typical Isekai, gorgeous duke storyline – she didn’t go back in time and she didn’t reincarnate.
You should read if you:
- like it when you aren’t quite sure who the villain is supposed to be in the story
- want to read a story with a very quirky and hilarious female lead
- love reading a historical Romance Manhwa with beautiful art – just look at the picture
7. Flirting with the villains’ Dad
Summary: Bus-kun strikes and the female lead finds herself in the body of Princess Yerenica, a character in the novel “Brisney wants to be happy”. But the twist is: She reincarnated 20 years before the story of the novel starts. Because she knows exactly how the story is going to unfold, she tries to seduce the villain’s father, before the villain is even born.
You should check this historical Romance Manhwa out if you:
- Like reading a story about a bubbly and quirky female lead
- Love having a female lead that actively tries to change the story
- Don’t mind when the male lead is pretty cold in the beginning – although they touch very often
8. Beware The Villainess
Summary: The female lead reincarnates as the villainess Melissa Foddebrat. She is the daughter of a duke and made many enemies in the past and was pretty clingy. Melissa’s plan is not to turn into a reformed saint but teach all the idiotic male characters a lesson. And she does so pretty ruthlessly.
You should check it out if you:
- like to read a Manhwa with a badass female lead – who openly communicates
- are in need of new Memes
- love reading a historical Romance Manhwa where the female lead is kind to her friends but crushes her opponents
9. My gently raised beast
Summary: This is not an Isekai or a time-reversal Manhwa, which makes it pretty special in itself. After growing up poor, Blondina gets taken into the palace, because she is the forgotten princess of the Ates empire. As you would expect she doesn’t get welcomed with open arms and her so-called family is treating her pretty poorly. One day she meets Amon – a member of the divine leopard clan – who can change into a human. They quickly become close. Read more: Best Webtoons 2021.
Historical Romance Manhwa – You should read if you:
- love reading a Manhwa with a possessive male lead
- like reading about a female lead that stands up for herself
- love seeing beautifully drawn cats getting pet and cuddled all the time
10. Carrier Falcon Princess
Summary: This Manhwas female lead is Zelle. She is the eighth royal princess of Roymonde, who was kidnapped by the enemy. After passing out in a life-threatening situation she wakes up as a bird. Yes a bird. Because she likes to be useful to her country she becomes the messenger bird of Commander Valhayle and they form a quite unique bond.
You should read this Royalty Manhwa if you:
- like reading a refreshing and unique story
- don’t mind when the male lead is strangely drawn to a bird (how this story still manages to set up tension and a bond between the mcs is hilarious)
- love reading a Manhwa with an ongoing war and a mysterious plot
Historical Romance Manhwa – Top 11 – 20
11. I Am the Real One
Summary: Keira lived her life as a noble daughter while doing what she believed was right. Although her father was always cold she did everything that was expected of her in order to become a water elementalist. As a prophecy foretold there can only be one elementalist born in the realm and when Cosette appears and shows her powers everyone suspects that Keira is a fraud. She gets executed in the end but travels back in time. With her second chance, she is determined to change her life.
You should check it out if you:
- don’t mind not knowing who the male lead is supposed to be
- like it when the female lead is extremely awkward in social situations
- love seeing the female lead slowly change and work to open up
12. The villainess lives again
Summary: Artezia Rosan is a master manipulator and she uses her skills in order to help her brother sit on the throne. After he didn’t need her anymore, he stabbed her in the back and she got imprisoned for all of her crimes. Even when her legs and arms got cut off she managed to draw a magic circle to go back in time. This time she uses her skills to help Cedric Ebron on the throne – a man she truly admires.
You should check it out if you:
- like seeing the female lead deal with her toxic family
- don’t mind when the female lead is pretty self-destructive
- love reading a story with a very righteous and caring male lead
13. Father, I don’t want this marriage
Summary: If you like misunderstandings, this story is for you. Juvelian is supposed to be a villainess – although it isn’t really shown what she did wrong. She is scared of her father and feels neglected. In the first chapter, she dies a tragic death – no one helped her, not even her lover or her father. So after going back in time she breaks up with her lover and tries to win her father’s love. The thing is: her father is actually pretty protective, they are all just bad at communicating. In order to keep herself from being married off she forms a dating contract with her father’s student.
You should check this Royalty Manhwa out if you:
- like it when the male lead falls in love first and is pretty shy and possessive
- don’t mind a misunderstanding-inception and the lack of proper communication (it is pretty hilarious for now – but I hope it won’t get dragged out too much)
- love reading a story with a VERY misunderstood father
14. It’s time to change the Genre
Summary: The female lead reincarnated into her favorite revenge novel “The owner of the winter forest” as the villainous aunt Eudith, who has to care for the novel’s male lead Luka. After she woke up she started treating Luka well and he starts getting attached to her. When his uncle Rudiger shows up to take him away, Luka refuses to part with Eudith – and so the original story has changed and she moves to Winterwald.
You should check it out if you:
- like reading a story with great dialogue
- love it when the female lead uses her brain
- don’t mind when the mcs don’t talk about their feelings
15. The lady and the beast
Summary: After a life of bloodshed and heartbreak Empress Martina gets reborn as Astina, a daughter of a count. After her family faces bankruptcy she has to marry Archduke Atalenta who is known as “Terriod the Beast” because of a curse that turns him into a wolf. But Astina isn’t intimidated at all and deals with the situation. The art is pretty unique – just like in these recommendations.
You should read this Royalty Manhwa if you:
- don’t mind a very cold and collected female lead ( she is unfair to the male lead sometimes)
- love reading a story with a badass female lead
- like it when the male lead is the bashful and “needy” one in the relationship
16. I’m a Stepmother but my Daughter is just too cute
Summary: This Manhwa uses some story elements of Snow White and tells the story in a unique way. There is the evil stepmother (Abigail), the mirror on the wall, and the mistreated daughter (Blanche. After reincarnating Abigail doesn’t want to keep being the evil stepmother. She is still completely obsessed with Blanche, but only because of her cuteness. She calls out everyone in the castle who mistreats her – including her father. Blanche and even the King slowly start to open up to her.
You should check this Royalty Manhwa out if you:
- like it when the female lead intimidates everyone with her scary face
- love it when the former villainess gest everyone to like and respect her
- don’t mind when the male lead is cold (but he has his reasons which are pretty heavy)
17. Under the Oak tree
Summary: Maximilian got abused by her father all her life and developed a stutter. She is forced to marry the unknown knight Riftan. After their first night, he disappears on a mission for three years and becomes the most famous knight on the continent. Even after three years he still is obsessed over Maximilian – but she can’t quite deal with being treated well.
You should read if you:
- don’t mind mild sexual content (this has a smut tag)
- like reading a Manhwa with a realistic approach to trauma (finally a female lead who doesn’t just shake it off after being abused – I really like that)
- love it when the couple is together from the beginning (if you want to understand Riftans feelings, there is a novel from his POV)
18. For Better or For Worse
Summary: The female lead reincarnated as Lady Dillion, the villain of a novel (although she doesn’t really do much). In the original plot, her sister dies after marrying Marquess Cedric, that’s why she doesn’t like him. In order to protect her sister, she just marries him herself – although she knows he is meant to fall in love with the female lead of the original story. I love the dynamic of the Mcs.
You should read this Royalty Manhwa if you:
- love it when the MCs bicker and tease each other a lot
- like it when the characters have pretty surprising character traits (the stepmother, the sister and so on)
- love reading a story where love develops from animosity
19. What’s wrong with you duke?
Summary: This story is about Erin and Rowan – oh wait, let me French this up: This story is about Dreux and Nöel ( I’ll explain this one down below) and their complicated love story. They start off pretty rough: As Dreux tries to kill her a magic spell gets activated which forces him to completely change and declare his love for Nöel. He is so persistent that Nöel marries him but the thing is: his lovely personality “Ru” isn’t like that all the time – there are moments when he can be his usual self and Nöel has to deal with death threats.
Addressing some issues: This one is already finished and there were some critics in the community, so I will write a short review. First of all the comment section on tapas was on fire after the first chapter came out because no one understood why they named them Dreux and Nöel. I don’t like the names either, Erin and Rowan feels way more natural (these are the names from the fan translations) but you eventually get used to it. There were also many readers who didn’t like the ending.
I won’t go into detail because I don’t want to spoil you but it is pretty tragic. I still think it was executed pretty well, there was a plot twist and the story didn’t play out as you would expect from a lighthearted Romance Manhwa. Nevertheless, it is not really the end. There is an epilogue that further shows their relationship and I love that their dynamic completely changes: Now Dreux is the one who chases after Nöel as his real self. Despite the negative comments I still love this Manhwa. The art is great, the female lead is hilarious and I have never seen a dynamic like that between the mcs in a Romance. So I would recommend you check it out if you want to read something funny but sad and refreshing at the same time.
You should read if you:
- don’t mind a very rough start between the mcs
- like it when the male lead has two kinds of personalities – and the lovey-dovey one is completely over the top
- love reading a Manhwa with gorgeous art and a unique plot
20. Beatrice
Summary and Review: This one does have some issues, that’s why I will review it, so you know if this one is for you. Alexandro is pretty indifferent to life. He doesn’t mind killing to reach his goals and he is ruthless (especially in the beginning). He lets the female lead Beatrice live and in order not to be killed she disguises herself as a slave under the name “Chloe”. She gets assigned as Alexandros (the Archduke) personal maid and he takes more and more interest in her. Although the male lead is an asshole I still think it’s somehow historically accurate. Often in Manhwas they are titled as war heroes and such but are never shown in action or just have a lovely personality.
Addressing some issues: Alexandro hates people but he hates himself and his past the most. He often thinks about how he would have turned out without abuse in his childhood. That doesn’t mean it excuses his actions but it does make it believable. Chloe on the other hand is very kind, satisfied with the little things, and very bubbly. The author only threw in the Isekai part in order for her to have knowledge of plants, which was pretty unnecessary in my opinion. Chloe didn’t have much character development so far and I think it will stay that way (which is a pity). I really debated whether I should put this in the TOP 20, but although there are some issues I still enjoyed it. The story is engaging, there are hilarious misunderstandings and the Archduke does get character development.
Royalty Manhwa – You should read if you:
- don’t mind the Archduke being a ruthless murderer at the beginning and basically an asshole (but maybe that’s exactly your cup of tea?)
- don’t mind when the female lead doesn’t really have a goal of her own – other than surviving
- like having lot’s of panels with fanservice (abs – abs everywhere)
Royalty – some additional historical Romance Manhwa recommendations
I stole the male-leads first night
Super Short Review: The female lead gets drunk and sleeps with the male lead – who is not supposed to end up with her. She tries with all her might to get rid of him but comes around eventually.
You will get: pretty questionable actions from the fl, a hilarious fl, a persistent ml
The Reason Why Realiana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion
Super Short Review: I know this should be on the list – it’s great. I just didn’t keep up with the story at some point, because it was moving too slow for a weekly update. Nevertheless, go read it.
You will get: slow romance, evil antagonist, nice mysterious subplot
When the Villainess is in Love (very popular historical Romance Manhwa)
Super Short Review: This one is a Reverse Harem. The former villainess tries to save everyone from their death and fangirls heavily while being at it.
You will get: Gorgeous art, a smart and hilarious female lead, many male love interests
The villainess is a marionette (very popular historical Romance Manhwa)
Super Short Review: In her first life she died pitifully because she was being used by her brother. After going back in time she changes their dynamic and uses him instead.
You will get: Godlike art, a scheming female lead, much royal power play
The taming of the tyrant
Super Short Review: After taming the tyrant the female lead runs away. The male lead won’t have that though and chases her down.
You will get: a needy male lead, a badass female lead who can fight, magic and fairies
The lady I served became a Master
Super Short Review: The female lead got reincarnated but only read half of the book – so she doesn’t know that the male lead has to disguise himself as a woman.
You will get: a possessive male lead, a clueless but strong female lead, an interesting dynamic between the mcs
The Villainess Turns the Hourglass
Super Short Review: The female lead has the ability to turn back time. She is one of the few “villainesses” that doesn’t reform herself after reincarnating but truly lives for revenge.
You will get: a ruthless female lead, a very annoying antagonist, satisfaction out of seeing the fl get revenge
I Fell into a Reverse Harem Game!
Super Short Review: The female lead was a ruthless princess who used everyone around her. Now she has to outsmart her enemy.
You will get: many love interests, an interesting plot point: the fl sees what the antagonist is doing, abs
I was tricked into this fake marriage
Super Short Review: The fl approaches the ml to get him to help her find a good partner for a fake marriage. It so happens that she will choose him.
You will get: the most cock-blocks in Manhwa-history, godly beings as the mcs, many lovey-dovey scenes after about 50 chapters
50 tea recipes from the duchess
Super Short Review: After reincarnating the female lead slowly takes charge of her life – with tea. Headache? Tea. Deadly disease? Tea. Political chaos? Tea. – that’s the summary.
You will get: tea recipes, a sweet couple with many cute moments, a cold ml who is only kind to the fl
A Common Story of a Lady’s New Life
Super Short Review: Everything in this Manhwa is a misunderstanding. The female lead is terrified of the male lead at first and interprets his action very strangely.
You will get: very unique art, a clumsy ml, LOTs of misunderstandings
Doctor Elise: The Royal Lady with the Lamp
Super Short Review: After reincarnating the female lead takes her knowledge as a former doctor to good use and revolutionizes medicine in her world.
You will get: a strong fl, many panels about medicine, a tsundere fl
A Villainess for the Tyrant
Super Short Review: The female lead has to marry the emperor who is supposed to be a tyrant. It just so happens that he immediately likes her.
You will get: a VERY fast-paced romance, a sweet fl who has to play rough, a pretty ruthless ml
I’ll marry Him
Super Short Review: The emperor can’t sleep and the female lead comes to the rescue: She has an ability that can put anyone to sleep.
You will get: an ml who is dependent on the fl, an fl who falls in love first, a pretty confident but dense fl
Just leave me be
Super Short Review: Both the female lead and the male lead are being tortured by their families. They try to change their fate together.
You will get: a smart fl who has a special ability, a very caring ml, horrible antagonists
The Antagonist’s Pet
Super Short Review: The female lead pities the villainess of the story and starts supporting her.
You will get: women power, a very submissive fl, a very pragmatic and smart ml
The Great Wish
Super Short Review: The female lead has visions of her own future and she tries to put that to good use.
You will get: a mature dynamic between the mcs, court intrigue, a very dedicated ml
Hopeless Desire of a Witch
Super Short Review: The male lead tries to find the culprit for his trauma and the female lead happens to need his services.
You will get: lots of angst, complex feelings, and a complicated dynamic between the mcs
You have read all of the above? Here are more historical Romance Manhwa with royalty
If you are a Manhwa reading machine – like I am – and you know all of the above. Here is my last resort of historical Romance Manhwa recommendations:
- A Stepmother’s Märchen
- Crown of the deep Green
- I Dream of Health, Wealth, and a Long Life
- Lady Evony
- Lady Chef Royale
- I Woke Up as the Ugly Duckling
- A royal princess with black hair
- My Fair Footman
- Empress? Empress!
- Ginger and the Cursed prince
- Empress of Another World
- Adelaide
I only checked out the beginning of these, so I can’t provide you with a proper review. But all of them are pretty popular on tapas or tappytoon. If you are not sure: Definitely check out the first two. They are supposed to be really good and very high on my reading list.
Popular Royalty Manhwa – Should you read them?
I have read all of these and they are entertaining, so you won’t get bored reading these historical Romance Manhwa. But there are some issues I have with these five popular Manhwas.
A Tender Heart: The Story of How I Became a Duke’s Maid
I loved the start, I really did. BUT – and it’s a really big but(ts and I cannot lie) – the female lead is waaay too hung up on the original story. She is not the brightest bulb and keeps on insisting he has to meet the original female lead – although she already changed everything. It got so frustrating to the point that I couldn’t take it anymore. And after she finally came around there’s the very annoying crown prince who keeps pestering her and fell for her for no reason.
What it takes to be a villainess
This one is a fun read, I don’t have anything against it. But after a certain point, I found myself skimming the story. The male lead has a really horrible start and even after his behavior is explained it doesn’t really feel convincing. The Manhwa is entertaining but in my opinion, it’s kind of shallow – there is no emphasis on feelings.
Daisy: How to become the Duke’s Fiancé
Daisy is a great female lead and this Comic is a fun read. I just found that the pacing is a bit off. There are about 5 chapters dedicated to her convincing the duke to marry her and then a bit later we get about 15 chapters focusing on a designer that the fl wants to recruit – which feels like a side story.
This villainess wants a divorce
This one is a great read if you don’t mind a pretty frustrating female lead. She literally forces herself not to have feelings and as a reader, you can’t really understand why. It does get better though, so if you are willing to read through the middle part pretty fast, it will still entertain you.
The Abandoned Empress
I’m pretty sad about this one. I loved Abandoned Empress and I wouldn’t have cared with whom she ends up with, because it is an interesting story. But apparently, there were some hardcore fans who were sending threats to the author, and additionally, the author had a dispute with the artist, so the story just got wrapped up pretty heartlessly. I can’t recommend this story to anyone if you don’t want to get really disappointed at the end.
Royalty Manhwa with very little to no Romance but much politics and intrigue
I have read all of these Royalty Manhwa and they are freaking amazing. I really recommend you check them out. Especially Lout of Counts Family is interesting because it is one of the few royalty Manhwa from a male’s perspective.
- The Remarried Empress
- Your Throne
- Lout of Counts Family
- The Monstrous Duke’s Adopted Daughter
- Who Made Me a Princess
Top 20 Modern Romance Manhwa recommendations
Hey guys! I don’t know if I have any active readers who wait for my content, but I would like to apologize for my long hiatus. Life got in the way. Nevertheless, I whipped up my Top 20 Modern Romance Manhwa recommendations. Some of those are completed and every one of these will entertain you, without too much Drama or silly miscommunication and misunderstandings that get dragged out for too long – with some exceptions. Some of them have fantasy elements but I still included them in the list. I hope you like it!
Modern Romance Manhwa Top 1- 10
1. See You in My 19th Life
(c) Lee Hey/Webtoons Summary: Buckle up because with this story you’re in for a ride. Protagonist Jieum Ban has a special ability: she remembers all her past lives. In her previous life, she met Seoha, a bratty boy with whom she gets along great. Unfortunately, her life ends pretty early but thanks to her ability she tries to reconnect to Seoha. Read it on Webtoons.
You should check it out if you:
- like reading a story with the perfect flow (there is drama but it’s not unrealistic and not overloaded)
- love feeling all the feels
- like it when the female lead is assertive, and the male lead is on the receiving end
2. Something about us (Completed)
(c) Lezhin / Lee Yunji Summary: Han Woojin and Doh Gahoyung are best friends and they get together so well, that even their close friends ask repeatedly if they really aren’t together. Both of them didn’t even consider being in a romantic relationship until Woojin comes back from his military service and it all starts with a little badump. Check out my review if you want to know more about this Manhwa: Something about us Review.
You should read if you:
- like reading a Manhwa with great pacing and calm storytelling
- love reading a story where best friends become lovers (is that considered a spoiler?)
- like it when storytelling emphasizes feelings rather than superficial and unrealistic plot points
3. Midnight Poppy Land
(c) WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Lilydusk Summary: Small town book editor Poppy has an accident with her scooter in the countryside after getting dumped. The inside of her bag scatters all over the place and while picking up the sheets she also picks up papers she isn’t supposed to – while Tora witnesses it. He gets close to her in order to retrieve the papers that have sensitive information on them but they both get along really well. Midnight Poppy Land is a story about one guy who is in the Mafia but doesn’t really want to be and a strong bubbly female lead who tries to do her best in life. If you like to read more, check out my detailed review: Midnight Poppy Land Review.
You should readthis Modern Romance Manhwa if you:
- love it when the main couple teases each other a lot but has a great dynamic
- like to read a story with a female lead that has realistic body proportions
- love reading a Webtoon with a dark premise
4. Down to Earth
© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Pookie Senpai Summary: Kade is currently heartbroken and has a pretty pessimistic outlook on life. One night an Ufo lands in his backyard and with it Zaida literally crashed into his life and changes him with her positive attitude. They both live together and Kade teaches Zaida how to live like an earthling. They have three rules. The third one is: no feelings. Yeah right….
Check out my review if you want to read more details about the Webtoon: Down to Earth Review.
You should read if you:
- love reading a story where almost all the characters have a punk rock feel to them
- like it when the main characters live together right from the start
- love to read about a pessimistic male lead, that is slowly changing his mind and coming out of his shell
5. Swimming lessons for a mermaid
© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / YONGCHAN Summary: Although Choa is a mermaid she can’t swim. After trying several times she trades her tail for human legs and starts to live with her Dad on land (this happens before the start of the Webtoon). She stills loves the ocean and water though. One day she goes to the pool alone and accidentally falls in because Soo surprises her. After finding out her secret Soo makes her an offer: he wants to teach her how to swim.
You should check this Modern Romance Manhwa out if you:
- like it when the female lead has a secret identity
- don’t mind having a love triangle (with an obvious outcome)
- like reading about friendship and character development
6. Seasons of blossom
© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Hongduck/Nemone Summary: Seasons of Blossom is a Webtoon that’s divided in different parts. First, I didn’t like it because I loved the first couple, but the story is written really well. Although this story has a high school setting, it is quite sad, and the dialogue feels mature (although there is some hair pulling and stuff but it’s quite fun). It starts off with two friends having feelings for the same guy and a fake relationship – I know, a plot we have seen a million times. Nevertheless, this Webtoon is flowing quite nicely and you should give it a shot.
You should check it out if you: (the first two points refer to the first story)
- love it, when the male lead is very direct and seems kind of cold
- like it, when the female lead is liked by everyone but lets herself go with the male lead
- reading a Romance Webtoon with wholesome friendships
7. Positively Yours
(c) TAPAS MEDIA 2020 / kang ki / Lee jung Summary: This story revolves around Doo-joon and Hee-won and starts after they had a passionate one-nightstand. They met at a bar and to Hee-wons dismay she gets pregnant. She wanted to keep the news to herself but fate brings them together and Doo-joon insists on taking responsibility for the baby. This is how their relationship begins. Read my Review for Positively yours if you like to have more info before reading.
You should read this Modern Romance Manhwa if you:
- like having your male leads being the perfect package: rich, patient, devoted, good looking – just… good at everything
- don’t mind when you sometimes want to shake the female lead cause she is so cold and stubborn
- love when the pacing is pretty calm, except for the occasional drama
8. A Business proposal
(c) Guava Farm / Perilla/ NARAK/Haehwa/
TAPAS MEDIA 2020Summary: Ha-ri helps her friend out by going on a blind date for her best friend who is tired of the marriage set-ups by her father. She pretends to be a super-vixen in order to scare potential candidates away but she didn’t expect her “opponent” CEO Taemu to be that persistent. He has a goal of his own: he wants to get married in order to not get nagged by his family anymore and he doesn’t care who it is. The problem is: Ha-ri is an employee at this company and doesn’t want to get exposed.
You should read if you:
- don’t mind some unnecessary drama that gets prolonged at some point
- like it when the male lead is hot, rich and can do everything – precisely the Ceo type
- love having more than one couple in a story
9. My Cute Beast
(c) Haesol/Heim/Lehzin Summary: The two protagonists are pretty different than they appear to be. Da-im is an elementary school teacher but is pretty direct and tells the people her opinions (her nickname is Siberian hulk). On-gyum is a florist who has an intimidating appearance but is pretty shy and soft. They both have on thing in common: They love cats and like chatting about them online. BUT they don’t know their real-life personalities.
You should check it out if you:
- Like reading a story that plays with stereotypes and turn them around
- Don’t mind when the characters don’t communicate openly in the beginning
- Love it when the female lead is ruthless, and the male lead is shy
10. Touch Your Heart (Completed)
(c) Antstudio, Jäger / Yeondam/ TAPAS MEDIA 2021 Summary: Yoon-Seo is a popular actress but finds herself not getting any jobs anymore. She is not exactly known for her good acting. One day she gets the chance to have a lead role in an upcoming film but there is one condition: she must become a secretary to practice her role. That’s where she meets Kwon, the male lead.
You should read this Modern Romance Manhwa if you:
- Like reading a Manhwa with no relevant love triangles
- Don’t mind when the male lead is pretty judgmental at first
- Love reading a Manhwa with a headstrong and funny female lead – and communication
Modern Romance Manhwa Recommendations – Top 11 – 20
11. Act Like You Love Me!
(c) Webtoons Entertainment /XUANN Summary: Ji-eon is in her mid-twenties and completely stressed out. She has no money but tries to get by with a job at a convenience store. One day she gets her hands on a peculiar doll which can control Doyun Nam – a popular actor who suffers from panic attacks. Although their relationship starts off on the wrong foot, they somehow make it work and their interactions are hilarious.
You should read if you:
- Don’t mind reading a love triangle
- Like reading a modern Romance Manhwa with a supernatural twist
- Love it when the female lead is a loudmouth and voices her opinions
12. Nice to meet you
© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / wishroomness Summary: The scatterbrained university student Mew finds a lost student card and decides to spice up her daily routine by bringing her own card to the lost and found. The cards owner – Daze – is not amused about her little stunt, especially because clutzy Mew breaks his card in the process. But at least Mew succeeded in one thing: Daze keeps running into her and can’t seem to get her out of his head.
You should check this Modern Romance Manhwa out if you:
- like reading a story with a quirky female lead
- love it, when the handsome guy falls for the outsider (of some sort)
- don’t mind some unnecessary Drama (Season 1 Finale, I’m talking about you) and a really heartbreaking love triangle (I really wish it would have stayed between Mew and Daze…)
13. An Hour of Romance
(c) Tappytoon/Kim MYEONGMI Summary: Jooahn and Dojin work in the same company but couldn’t be more different from one another. Jooahn plans out every little detail at work and has a leading position in the company, while Dojin is working as an entry-level marketer and still makes tons of mistakes. But he is adored by everyone at work while the employees are kind of afraid of Jooahn. One day they take a trip to a monastery and a little monk messes with their fates so they change bodies one hour a day.
You should read if you:
- like seeing two opposites get together
- love having much character development from the main characters
- like reading a Manhwa with man hilarious moments (as is to be expected from the body-switch plot point, but the toilet scene was still unexpectedly awesome)
14. Let’s Play
(c) WEBTOONS Entertainment Inc/ Leeanne M. Krecic Summary: “Let’s Play” has many characters who suffer from Trauma or some sort of mental illness. The way these feelings are depicted is very unique and I think this is also the focus of the story. The only downside is, that there are some episodes where they are only in-game and the story doesn’t really move forward. But to give you a quick summary: Sam created her own video game but popular streamer Marshall gives her a bad review after not even playing it properly. His army of fans gives her thousands of bad reviews. To top it off: Marshall is her new neighbor.
You should read if you:
- don’t mind not knowing AT ALL who the male lead is or what direction the comic is taking
- like when a romance story has a very slow burn
- love it when the female lead is very sheltered and insecure (she has social anxiety and panic attacks)
15. Unlovable Replacement
(c) WEBTOONS Entertainment Inc/ Nylana Summary: After his relationship ended Chiko Dryer fell into a slump. One day he orders pizza and involves the delivery girl in a scheme to keep his friend away. That’s how their relationship starts but oh boy: November is stubborn. This Webtoon is currently on hiatus and the author didn’t post anything for quite some time on Instagram, so it’s not clear when it will be back. But before you read: This one is on hiatus!
You should read this Modern Romance Manhwa if you:
- love it when the male lead falls in love first
- like it when they quarrel a lot but have a great dynamic
- don’t mind when the female lead is owing money and therefore involved in some shady business
16. Sound Of Bread
(c) scarlozet/Kisai Entertainment/miqin/Tapas Media Summary: Kimmie has a unique ability: She can hear taste as music. That also means that she can taste every ingredient. One day she stumbles into a small and messy bakery in Paris and the bread there sounds and tastes incredible. The baker is Kale, who is a pretty chaotic guy and Kimmie is determined to taste everything he makes, because she aspires to be a renowned conductor.
You should check it out if you:
- like reading a story with a unique premise
- love it when the main characters have hilarious misunderstandings between each other
- like it, when the protagonists aren’t assholes and try to achieve a goal of their own
17. True Beauty
(c) Yaongyi/WEBTOONS Entertainment Inc Summary: “True Beauty” is one of the most successful comics on Webtoons. The protagonist is Jugyeong Lim who loves comic books but is also obsessed with her looks. One day she decides that she wants to change her appearance and masters the art of makeup to make her look like a completely different person. Only Suho Lee and her family knows how she really looks like. True Beauty is a love triangle story between Jugyeong, Suho, and Seojun Han.
Why is this so low on my list if it’s such a successful webtoon you might ask? The story is called true beauty but Jugyeong is obsessed with her looks – and the appearance of the people around her. Her thought process seems childish some of the time and the outcome of the love triangle is kind of obvious and also a bit unrealistic (Am I making enemies with my unpopular opinion? I hope not). The art is unique and gorgeous though and if you want to read a comic in a lighthearted and superficial setting (idols, make-up, social media posts and so on) this will be for you.
You should read if you:
- love reading a story that’s focused on the appearance of the characters
- don’t mind getting your heart broken because both male leads match well with her
- like reading a Manhwa with unique and beautiful art
18. To love your enemy (Completed)
© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Jungyoon/Taegeon Summary: Yeohee Bae wants to leave her old life behind and goes as far as changing her name. She got caught up in a pyramid scheme and ended up scamming the mother of Yikyung Lee, who holds a grudge against her. Unfortunately, they going to the same university. They get to know each other and their quarrels turn into something else. Unfortunately, this one has a pretty unsatisfying ending, I would still recommend reading it though.
Modern Romance Manhwa – You should read if you:
- like seeing love develop from negative feelings
- love reading a story where the male lead is kind of shy
- donˋt mind unnecessary drama and weird plot choices (they infiltrate a cult out of nowhere and with every new chapter I was like: surprised Pikachu face)
19. The Makeup Remover
(c) WEBTOONS Entertainment Inc/ Lee Yone Summary: Yeseul was focusing on her studies all her life but when her college life starts she finds herself pressured to pay more attention to make up. One day she meets makeup artist Yuseong who shows her the ropes and their relationship begins.
You should read this Modern Romance Manhwa if you:
- don’t mind the occasional drama and bitchy side characters
- love reading a story where the premise seems superficial, but the female lead questions societal pressure
- don’t mind a slow burn
20. Eaternal Nocturnal
(c) WEBTOONS Entertainment Inc/instantmiso Summary: This one is pretty new, that’s why it is so low on the list but it looks really promising, so I wanted to include it. The story revolves around Eve who cannot fall asleep – no matter what she tries. One night Dae appear, the dream eater, appears next to her and helps her falls asleep. I love the premise and you guys should check it out.
There are not many episodes yet, so I can’t give you my usual short summary of things to look out for. I will update this list when there are at least 20 episodes, so you know what to expect.
20+ Manhwa That Will Make You Cry (Recommendations)
Welcome seasoned manhwa readers and newbies! We’re glad you’ve come back to another recommendation list! This is a countdown of the best Korean comics that will have you teary eyed and blowing into tissues as you sob on your friend’s shoulder, before you make it to the ending.
You’ve seen manhwa about reincarnation, villainesses, and slice of life but now it’s time for a Korean webtoon that’s slow paced and more emotional. After all, who doesn’t like a good tear jerker every now and then?
Well, get ready because we’re about to share with you some heart tugging manhwa! Do stay tuned for the number one pick, as we’re sure you’ll find it interesting to say the least! So hold fast to your Kleenex and ice cream because we’re about to journey through 21 Manhwa that Will Make You Cry!
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Table of Content
Korean Webtoon That Will Make You Emotional
21. Can’t Lose You
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 1/206/106/107/1020/50Yooi is a poor girl whose optimism is inspiring—motivating even! She works to pay off her father’s debt, hoping if she does this one thing then the two of them can one day be united as a family again.
Meanwhile, there’s a girl named Lida who’s an heiress that’s as high and mighty as they come and is rolling in dough. Now, you may think the two of them have nothing in common, but in actuality, they can pass as identical twins!
Lida finds this out and uses it to her advantage after receiving death threats and turns Yooi into her doppelganger! While this dangerous gig is good money, Yooi finds herself in sticky situations and even stickier when she’s locked in the arms of Lida’s fiance!
20. Sad Love Song
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 7/203/104/107/1021/50Joon-Young has lived a coarse life as a child—always suffering at the hands of his peers all because his mother owned a bar that served Americans. But love is a motivating thing if we’ve ever seen one!
This young lad meets a blind girl named Hae-in who he swears to always protect, and the two of them soon become childhood sweethearts. But as they grow older, Hae-in meets the son of a rich CEO named Gun-woo.
Who will Hae-in choose? What will the boys do? Thus, the love triangle begins and a riveting Korean comic that will tug on your emotions and motivate you to find a love that isn’t so triangle shaped.
19. 100% Perfect Girl
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 5/206/104/107/1022/50Judging from its title at first read, you’d never expect this manhwa to be the tear jerker that it is, rest assured while tissues are in your future you’ll find it motivating as you read your way through Jay Jin’s quest to become an artist.
Sad to say, love was never in her plans when she met J. Max, now the two of them must battle culture differences, long distance, all of the hardship and challenges that love brings!
18. Actually, I Was The Real One
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 5/204/104/109/1023/50Imagine being a daughter to a Grand Duke where it’s one thing to not have his affection but you’re accused of not being his actual daughter? How messed up can Keira’s life get!?
After being framed by the infamous Cosette and being sentenced to death by guillotine, Keira wakes up two years prior with another chance at life. Could this be the motivation she needs to prevent the dangerous Cosette from manipulating her own household?
17. What It Means To Be You
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 3/207/108/109/1026/50According to history’s tales, arranged marriages just don’t seem to go over right for the people that are set up for those. Princess Violet is said to marry a nobleman’s illegitimate son named Winter who’s got quite the temper for someone with such a cool name.
The marriage was once a motive to clear her family’s expenses but Violet is swept off her feet by Winter, but the facade didn’t last long as her royal family name turns to trash and she’s soon branded a con!
After suffering in her nightmare of a life, the former princess risks it all and winds up in… Winter’s body!? Now will the two of them be able to see eye to eye or will this end badly like always or dare Violet say worse?! This is a Korean webtoon you’ve got to read to believe!
16. Please! Mr. Bear!
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 9/206/206/206/2027/50This manhwa is sure to pull you from your busy mundane life into a sad love story so heartbreaking it’ll make you cry! We’re sure quite a few of us can sympathize with the MC who lost his longtime love interest.
You’ll read your way through this, motivated to cheer the MC on as he picks up the broken pieces of his heart and finds out what it means to love again. It won’t be easy trying to find the meaning of love after the trauma he experiences but he plans on making it possible again.
15. Cierra
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 8/206/106/108/1028/50Say for argument’s sake you’re in love with someone in this Korean webtoon and you plan on spending the rest of your life with them but it’s snatched away from you! Well, Cierra is motivated for another shot at life so that she can live out her days with her beloved.
That was before Cierra thought better of the situation. Our lovely MC is head over heels for her bonded lover, Claude LeSpencer, as they’re both illegitimate heirs to their family. They sought refuge in one another away from the prying eyes of society and the disdain of their family.
Now Cierra has decided to leave it all behind, the scorn of her family, the watchful gaze of society, and even her fateful lover, Claude. All in the hopes that she finds a better life than her last even without him…but will this prove to be more disastrous than her hopeful beliefs?
14. Gone
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 12/205/106/104/1028/50This Korean webtoon has some pretty motivational characters! You’ll catch all the feels for characters who’ll grow on you as you follow their life stories. It starts off with a man who’s falling from several stories and is rescued by firefighters, only to disappear shortly after.
In this world, the characters are suffering from a spore virus that makes the human body lose its mass causing them to float, go invisible, and eventually disappear the longer the virus invades the body.
You follow two characters’ lives under two different extremes, one of which is losing his high school love interest and the other is losing his pregnant wife. Between these four characters, you experience several different perspectives under the same tragic experiences.
13. My Boo
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 7/208/107/208/1030/50If you’ve come here looking for a manhwa full of rainbows and sunshine check again because it’s all doom and gloom here. Yeori has the ability to converse with the dead, but it’s not like she really sticks around to talk with the ghosts.
She’s always on to pass them by without a second thought, thinking of her abilities as more of a curse than a gift. So when Yeori moves into her new place and finds a resident ghost she blatantly ignores him too. Little does she know, Go Joon has different plans.
As a result of always wanting human connection, Go Joon winds up begging Yeori to stay and she agrees to room with him for a year, but nothing more! And together, the two motivate one another as they experience the daily life of a human and a ghost.
12. A Stepmother’s Marchen
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 4/209/109/109/1031/50Have you ever read a manhwa that is so heart wrenching yet at the same time motivational!? Well, this is one of them! Suri acquired the nickname Iron Widow after her late husband’s passing. He’d left her his estate, savings, and his four children to raise.
After suffering at the hands of the children’s bitterness and foul attitudes, she’s just on the threshold of freedom when the eldest son is about to marry! Suddenly, she finds her life thrown back seven years ago and she’s standing in the night at her husband’s funeral.
Could this be Suri’s second chance to claim happiness? Will she acquire a new destiny or make things right where it all went wrong? This Korean webtoon is sure to motivate you as it tells Suri’s story as a single mother and reveals how she acquired her nickname Iron Widow.
11. The Flower Dances And The Wind Sings
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 7/208/108/109/2032/50If you were to die today, would you have any regrets? Eresella has regrets on her deathbed, in fact her regret is that she’s never been a good mother to her beloved son named Vicente. Talk about needing a second chance to set things right.
Thankfully, she gets just that, as she’s sent back three years prior to her death where she reflects on her time as a youthful bride and hesitant mother to be, making it the perfect time to unpack the years of heartache she never dealt with.
Handling her own emotional baggage isn’t so easy with political, marital, and familial turmoil on the rise in this manhwa. Hopefully, Eresella can find the motivation to be a better mother, become a whole human, and live a second life worth living in spite of situations…or can’t she?
10. Annarasumanara
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 11/207/107/108/1032/50As you grow older you come to understand the hard knock life of reality and you learn to roll with its punches. That’s only a quarter of what Yun Ai does in her Korean comic as she struggles with finding her place in the world.
Oftentimes, you’ll feel like there’s limited space for you to operate in doing what you love in a world that demands you to be a productive member of society. Yuni struggles to put herself through school and to support her little sister while facing the fact that she loves magic.
Since she was little, Yuni has always wanted to be a magician, after meeting a real magician at the fair that’s all she could hope to achieve, but how can she feel motivated to fulfil her heart’s desire with a little sister to feed and not enough coins to buy a new pair of stockings?
9. Diamond Dust
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 13/206/108/107/1034/50For readers who are fans of Your Lie In April, you’re going to enjoy this korean comic about a young girl whose father takes the piano a little too seriously. As a result, he uses her as a tool to become the best pianist!
Her father goes to the extent of limiting her social life, forces her to wear gloves when she isn’t playing as a means of preserving her hands, and doesn’t allow her any sort of luxuries; and all this nameless damsel ever wanted was freedom to do what she wanted.
Well, her wish comes true after she meets a man who has lived his life as freely as he pleases. Will this young girl forever be a slave or will something happen that forces her to step into her role of freedom? And will this freedom motivate her to pursue love and a new way of living?
8. About Death
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 9/209/209/208/1035/50We’ve all read a manhwa or where a character has godlike powers, but what if a man is truly attempting to fulfil the role of God amongst dying people? This Korean comic is meant to reflect on a person’s life as they come face to face with the Grim Reaper known as Death.
Each chapter is riveting and ultimately revealing as it peers into the soul of the reader hoping that you would be able to find a philosophical meaning in the dark, sad stories you read.
7. See, Hear, Love
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 13/207/107/109/1036/50Imagine doing what you love then all of a sudden the sense you use the most with your gifted abilities or your passion is fading away? For Geun-Sin Min, the rising comic artist, he’s losing his sight.
As if becoming disabled isn’t enough, he’s also suffering from the stress of having to tend to his mother who is riddled with Alzheimer disease while experiencing total blindness. As a means to an end, Geun-Su Min attempts to commit suicide.
Like a saving grace, a girl who’s an immense fan of his work, by the name of Sori Jhun appears and surprisingly enough, she’s deaf. Together in this motivational manhwa they learn to live, love, and face the problems they have because of their disabilities and people’s input.
6. Nanohana Boys
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 15/206/108/108/1037/50This mid-length Korean webtoon is full of genuine bromance when two characters with disabilities that aren’t so far off from each other become friends! Onishi Yuu is blind in one eye while his pal, Ishida Kenji, is deaf. Sound familiar?
Now, Onishi used to be your average joe bad boy but after his accident he decides it’s time to turn over a new leaf. He soon befriends Ishida, the deaf kid at his high school and as life would turn out they have quite the similarities and bring out the best in one another.
The two youngsters build a special bond while facing their not-so-different lives in the world of normal high schoolers. By the end of this Korean webtoon you’ll be motivated to strengthen your bonds with friends like these two!
5. How To Get My Husband On My Side
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 13/208/107/1010/1038/50Ruby’s trauma is a little more complex than in all the manhwa we’ve reviewed thus far…or maybe it’s just her situations that make it so jarring? Either way this MC is no stranger to abuse from family members but somehow is reincarnated into a novel where it’s all the same.
Ruby is used as a political pawn by both her father and brother as a means of security, now that she’s travelled back to the beginning of the novel she must work against her horrors, cheat death, protect her allies, break her husband’s cold exterior and gain the trust of his kingdom.
This compelling manhwa has an MC who must find motivation within herself if she wants to make it out of this novel alive! Can Ruby do it when so much hurt threatens to cease her heart?
4. The Friendly Winter
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 14/209/108/108/1039/50It’s been proven time and time again that girls hit puberty before boys. Typically, girls have a growth spurt before boys, but what happens when puberty comes and you’re still the same height you were at the age of nine and you’re nineteen now?!
This is the hard life of Min-Seong who is dealing with the complexities of a young adult trapped at the size of her childhood self. Oddly enough, she happens to meet what appears to be a seventeen year old boy one day who’s actually a young boy with the mind of a small child.
Talk about a twist! As luck would have it Dae-Jeong is the only person who’d understand even remotely how Min feels. This Korean comic capitalizes on the two characters’ motivation to maintain sanity in their everyday lives, their challenges, and so much more!
3. Sweet Home
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 14/209/109/109/1041/50This motivational manhwa is about an eighteen year old who lost his parents to a car accident, his name is Cha Hyun Su. Strangely enough this devastating loss didn’t affect him too much and the late teen decides it’s best to continue on with his life with his 2 million won.
Realizing that this much money will only last him a short time span he marks his calendar for the day to commit suicide as he sees no reason for living past then, but something happens that makes him push back his suicide date.
The longer he lives in his building the more reasons he keeps finding to stay alive. Journey through the life of Cha Hyun Su as he finds self discovery, meaning in life, makes friends, and finds out he’s not the only one with a few problems.
2. An Uncomfortable Truth
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 17/208/108/109/1042/50A lot of us have siblings who we love and oftentimes get on our last nerve, but at the end of the day they’re family. And if you’re a younger sibling then you usually trust and listen to your older sibling, right? Well Yoseob was being that younger brother towards elder brother, Jaeha.
Sad to say, listening to his elder takes a pivot for the worse and the poor Yoseob doesn’t even realize it. In this Korean Webtoon, Yoseob is the calm, reserved kid that somehow ends up at the police station where he’s being held as the suspect behind the assault of eight civilians.
Everyone is wondering if this high schooler could have been motivated to commit such a crime and if his obsession with his brother has something to do with it. It’s a psychological thriller that tackles topics like mental illness and dysfunctional families, and will leave you teary-eyed and pleading with the characters.
1. The Horizon
Impact Character Writing Plot Art Total 18/208/109/109/1044/50At this point you’ve read about a war torn country in your high school history class or have seen about it on the news at one point, even watched a documentary maybe? Well this manhwa showcases that on a deeper, real level like you’ve never seen before!
In this Korean webtoon you follow two kids who are trying to navigate their own lives in a war torn world that should spell out a fatal death but yet you’ll see the bad, worse, and some good experiences if you stick around for the next 21 chapters.
This manhwa uncovers human nature in its art style, the stories it tells, and tugs at the heart—making you reflect on your own life and motivates you to be grateful that you’re not in their shoes.
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