Where to read manhwa (and webtoons) online in 2025

Manhwa, often described as the South Korean counterpart to Japanese manga and Chinese manhua has exploded in recent years. Its unique art style, gripping storylines, and the explosion of high quality digital platforms have made it a go-to for comic lovers everywhere.

Here’s a list of our favorite places to read Manhwa.

What Exactly is Manhwa?

Manhwa (pronounced “mahn-hwa”) is the term for Korean comics or graphic novels. These comics have branched outside of Korea by access to Webtoons, and have created a cultural impact that has led to movie, drama and television show adaptations.

Some of the most popular Manhwa to come out the past few years:

Manhwa vs. Manga: What’s the Difference?

Manga is Japanese, Manhwa is Korean. They’re all just words meaning ‘comics’ from their respective countries.

Do they have significant stylistic/thematic differences?

I’d say yes, insofar as all cultural creations are products of their environemnts.

Here’s what stands out about Manhwa to me:

Art Style: Manhwa tends to have sharper, more defined facial features and often uses a lot of color, especially in digital formats. Manga, on the other hand, is usually black and white, with softer lines.
One reader on r/manga notes: “Manhwa art is just next level. The colors, the details, the expressions—it’s like watching an anime but in comic form.” This is especially true for webtoons, where the vertical format allows for more creative paneling and dramatic reveals.

However, within Manga and Manhwa there are numerous invidual art styles, so it’s hard to make any sweeping generalizations here.
Themes: Manhwa is a younger industry than Manga. Many Manhwa have relied on the internet completely for readership and distribution. The digital native medium lends itself to creators talking about modern issues like mental health, politics, and social issues.
Paneling: As we said before, Webtoons (a type of Manhwa) often plays around with panel sizes and layouts because they use an infinite vertical format rather than traditional pages, giving it a more dynamic feel compared to manga’s more uniform structure.

One reader says: “Manga is like a classic novel—deep and timeless. Manhwa is like a blockbuster movie—flashy and addictive.”

The Digital Boom: Webtoons and Beyond

The rise of digital platforms has been a game-changer for manhwa. Enter webtoons—online comics designed to be read on your phone or computer.

These platforms have made manhwa more accessible than ever, and they’ve also given creators a direct line to their audience. No need to go through traditional publishers; just upload your work and let the readers come to you.

Where to Read Manhwa Online

Now that you’re intrigued, let’s talk about where to find these gems. There are plenty of platforms out there, each with its own vibe. Here are some of the top picks:

1. Naver Webtoon

The undisputed king of webtoon platforms. It’s home to iconic series like Tower of God and Solo Leveling. “Webtoon is the GOAT. It’s free, easy to use, and has something for everyone,” says one reader.

Pros: Huge library, free content, and a mix of genres.
Cons: The free chapters can feel slow if you’re impatient.

2. Lezhin Comics

The premium choice for mature, high-quality manhwa. “Lezhin is where you go for the good stuff. The art is insane, and the stories are next level,” shared a fan.

Pros: Stunning art, mature themes, and frequent sales.
Cons: Not much free content, and it can get pricey.

3. Tapas

A favorite for indie creators and hidden gems. “Tapas feels like a community. You’re supporting small creators and discovering stories you won’t find anywhere else,” said one user.

Pros: Great for discovering new talent, and the community vibe is strong.
Cons: The library isn’t as extensive as Webtoon.

4. Tappytoon

Perfect for budget-conscious readers. Their “Time Till Free” model lets you unlock chapters after a waiting period. “Tappytoon is great if you’re patient. You can read a lot without spending a dime,” notes a Redditor.

Pros: Affordable, good mix of genres, and offline reading.
Cons: Smaller library compared to Webtoon.

5. Manta

A newer platform with a flat-rate subscription model. “Manta is perfect for binge-readers. Pay once, read as much as you want,” says a fan.

Pros: Unlimited reading, no ads, and a growing library.
Cons: The selection isn’t as vast as some other platforms.

Why Manhwa is Worth Your Time

Manhwa isn’t just a trend—it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s breaking barriers, telling stories that resonate with readers worldwide, and proving that comics can be so much more than superheroes and fantasy epics. Whether you’re into heart-wrenching dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, or mind-bending thrillers, there’s a manhwa out there for you.

“Manhwa is like a breath of fresh air. It’s bold, it’s daring, and it’s not afraid to take risks.” – reader

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a platform, find a title that catches your eye, and start reading. Trust me, once you dive into the world of manhwa, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.

FAQs

1. Is manhwa only for teens?
Not at all! While there are plenty of manhwa aimed at younger audiences, the medium has something for everyone. From mature dramas to slice-of-life stories, there’s no age limit on enjoying manhwa.

2. Can I read manhwa offline?
Some platforms, like Tappytoon and Manta, offer offline reading for downloaded chapters. Just make sure to check the app’s features before diving in.

3. Are there physical copies of manhwa?
Yes, but they’re less common than digital versions. Some popular series get print releases, especially in Korea and the U.S., but digital is still the way to go for the widest selection.

4. What’s a good manhwa to start with?
If you’re new to manhwa, try Solo Leveling for action, True Beauty for romance, or Bastard for a psychological thriller. These are great entry points!