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What is the No. 1 manhwa?

If you’ve been reading manhwa for a while, you’ve probably asked yourself this question at least once: what is the No. 1 manhwa right now? With so many incredible titles out there, it feels almost impossible to crown just one series. Manhwa has exploded in popularity over the past decade, reaching audiences far beyond South Korea. From action-packed adventures to heart-melting romances, the variety is endless. But still, there are a few titles that stand above the rest stories that are not just popular but also deeply influential.

Let’s take a closer look at what fans often consider the top manhwa and why these stories have managed to hold onto that coveted spot.


Why Picking the No. 1 Manhwa Is So Hard

Manhwa isn’t like manga where the “Big 3” were clear for years. With manhwa, the field is always shifting. A series might dominate for a few years, only to be overtaken by something fresh and exciting. Part of the reason is that webtoon platforms like Naver and Kakao give us an endless stream of new content every week.

So when people argue about the No. 1 manhwa, they’re not just ranking popularity they’re talking about influence, storytelling, art style, and the cultural impact each series has made.

The Classic Choice: Solo Leveling

If there’s one manhwa that almost everyone agrees deserves the title, it’s Solo Leveling. Sung Jinwoo’s journey from being the weakest hunter to becoming a nearly unstoppable powerhouse captured the imagination of readers all over the world.

What makes Solo Leveling such a strong contender is its role as a gateway manhwa. For many readers, this was the first series that pulled them into the world of webtoons. Its slick art, fast-paced storytelling, and satisfying power progression make it nearly impossible to put down. Even after the series ended, the hype didn’t fade. In fact, with the anime adaptation, it’s only getting stronger.

For many fans, Solo Leveling isn’t just a favorite it’s the definition of No. 1.

Tower of God and Its Lasting Legacy

Another manhwa that often takes the crown in fan discussions is Tower of God. This series has been around for a long time, and it has managed to keep readers invested with its deep lore and ever-expanding cast of characters.

Tower of God is different from Solo Leveling in that it’s more complex and layered. The world-building alone is enough to put it on a pedestal. Readers often describe it as the kind of story you can reread multiple times and still discover new details. That’s part of why it continues to rank high on popularity charts even after so many years.

The Rise of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Recently, a new favorite has emerged: Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. This series has quickly climbed the ranks thanks to its clever premise. Imagine reading your favorite novel, only to suddenly find yourself living inside it. That’s exactly what happens to Kim Dokja, the protagonist, who ends up using his knowledge of the novel’s plot to survive.

What fans love about Omniscient Reader is how it balances action, strategy, and emotional depth. The dynamic between Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk, along with the unique storytelling format, makes it feel fresh and exciting. Many fans now argue that Omniscient Reader has already earned its place in the conversation for No. 1.

But What About Romance Manhwa?

It’s easy to think the No. 1 manhwa has to be an action-packed fantasy. But romance manhwa has been breaking records too. Titles like True Beauty, Let’s Play, and Cheese in the Trap have proven that love stories can be just as powerful as battle-heavy series.

One romance that has been gaining attention globally is Define the Relationship manhwa. With its heartfelt storytelling and compelling characters, it’s become a standout in the boys’ love genre. Readers praise it for the emotional depth between Yohan and Doyun, and many even consider it one of the best BL manhwa available today. If you want to see why it’s capturing so much attention, you can check it out at https://definetherelationship.net/.

The rise of romance manhwa in general shows that the idea of a “No. 1 manhwa” isn’t limited to just action and fantasy. For some readers, the top spot belongs to whichever story speaks to them the most.

Factors That Make a Manhwa No. 1

So what exactly sets these stories apart? Let’s break it down:

  • Global Appeal – The No. 1 manhwa usually isn’t just popular in Korea; it has readers worldwide.

  • Memorable Characters – Whether it’s Sung Jinwoo’s transformation or Kim Dokja’s clever survival, strong characters carry the story.

  • Artwork – Manhwa has a reputation for stunning, full-color art. The most popular series push those boundaries even further.

  • Consistency – Readers value series that update regularly and maintain quality over time.

  • Adaptations – Anime, live-action, or merchandise can skyrocket a manhwa’s popularity.

The Verdict: What Is the No. 1 Manhwa?

If we’re talking strictly numbers and influence, Solo Leveling still holds the crown for many people. It’s the series that brought countless new readers into the manhwa world, and its ongoing popularity speaks for itself.

But depending on who you ask, the answer could just as easily be Tower of God, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, or even a romance like True Beauty or Define the Relationship. That’s the beauty of manhwa—there’s no single right answer. The No. 1 manhwa is the one that resonates with you the most.

So, what is the No. 1 manhwa? For now, Solo Leveling is still the most widely accepted answer. But the truth is, manhwa is growing so fast that the top spot might change sooner than we think. Whether you’re into epic battles, clever survival stories, or heartfelt romance, there’s always a manhwa that feels like the best in the world to you.

And honestly, that’s what makes reading manhwa so exciting; it’s not just about ranking them, it’s about finding the story that sticks with you long after you close the last chapter.