Summary
Compared to traditional martial arts in action-packed shonen manga,martial arts in manhwahave a much deeper and richer cultural background. Whereas manga with martial arts often focus on flashy displays of abilities, the depiction of martial arts in manhwa often centers around the Murim: usually depicted as the underground world of fighting and the Murim-in, or the martial artists that “reside” in it.
This cultural background often explains why many manhwa centered around martial arts often take place in the ancient past, or even in the present, where protagonists are dragged into a hidden world of fighters who use their fists to dominate the world. For both newcomers and martial arts fans curious about what’s on offer when it comes to these action stories, the manhwa scene surprisingly has a lot of great stories to offer.
Updated July 27, 2025 by Rhenn Taguiam:While Solo Leveling: Arise from the Shadow had finished airing last March, fans of the anime might be wondering if there are other level-up manhwa available for them to enjoy. However, fans who want to dabble in the rich worlds of Korean manhwa might want to skip the level-up premise entirely and deep-dive into the world of the Murim and cultivation.
Compared to the traditional level-up series, the underground martial society of Murim and the self-improvement focus of the cultivation genre can result in equally compelling stories - this time taking the perspective of Solo Leveling into a historical, more grounded approach. Among the must-try martial arts manhwa to read are the epic tale of a teacher, the reincarnation of a demon, and even the prequel of an iconic manhwa.
2021
Illustrator
Oribori
While Suryong Baek may have been the best instructor in the Blood Cult, circumstances in his life led to a rather brutal demise… andBest Teacher Baekopens with the titular Baek awakening in a new body and all his memories intact. And although Suryong Baek can “technically” train this new body in exactly the way that transformed his previous physique into that of a juggernaut, his new body has such a weak constitution that there’s just no way for him to achieve his previous peak.
Thankfully,Suryong Baek does remember everything he knows, which means he’s more than qualified to teach and earn money to support his new body’s growth. Thus begins Suryong Baek’s new life - this time as an instructor out to become the academy’s best teacher to earn money for a new body. While the premise might not be as compelling, Suryong Baek’s journey treads the line between slice of life and hardcore action, something worthwhile for fans who want a chill story with just enough fight scenes to entertain them.
229
2012-2017
Chul-Hyun Kim
Set in ancient Korea,Mujangtells the story of Kwon - an orphaned slave who just so happened to be the son of the country’s best martial artist. After the death of his older brother, Kwon swears revenge on his killers and embarks on a journey of bettering himself in the field of martial arts - the only way of asserting one’s dominance back then.
GivenKwon’s prodigious talent, his skills eventually catch the attention of Goryeo’s military… an unfortunate new reality for Kwon, as this new approach to power will also entangle him in a web of conspiracies that may affect his journey forever. Although judged for having quite a lot of time skips, Kwon’s journey from mere slave to a general is worth the read. Not to mention, its fluid fight scenes interspersed with a memorable storyline can make the short reading of Mujang one for the books, especially for fans of martial arts who want a more sensible story.
Ihy
When theinfamous Mad Demon Jaha Leesteals the Jade of Heaven and is chased off a cliff by the Demonic Cult, he doesn’t die. Instead, he’s astonished to find himself back in his 20s with a chance to start life anew. With his dream of being the God of Martial Arts still strong in his heart, Jaha Lee is presented with a challenge of whether to go back to his previous ways and meet the same death or attempt to forge a new path where he achieves his dreams.
Astonishingly enough, while theReturn of the Mad Demondoes showcase impressive fights, it’s the colorful cast of characters where the story shines. Fans often describe Jaha Lee as truly rather “crazy” as an MC, delivering hilarious lines with deadpan humor, to the point that others can’t even take him seriously. Beneath this rather odd humor, however, is a Jaha Lee convinced to form an honorable clan within the Murim that will protect the innocent. Whether this protection involves giving his enemies more laxatives isn’t known.
1998-2002
Moon Jung-Hoo
There aren’t a lot of times that a manhwa not only had a side story but also a full-blown sequel more than a decade after it came out - and such was the story ofYongbi the Invincible,the first story from the creators of its equally acclaimed sequel,Gosu. Set in the days of ancient Goryeo,Yongbi was the heir of a noble family categorized as traitors, which meant not only was he raised to always prepare to fight, but also become so devoid of emotions that fighting has become the only thing he’s good at. Such was his ferocity in combat that he became a young general, earning the title Demon of the Military for his sheer brutality. He eventually becomes the Lord Commander of the Black Lancers, his personal military unit.
Given its age,Yongbiis worth the read to get a sense of the manhwa scene in the early 00s - one where stories focused more on the tragedies and failings of humanity instead of today’s rather straightforward heroes. Surprisingly enough,Yongbiisn’t too hardcore either - it’s an action comedy that knows exactly when to tug at the heartstrings.Yongbi’s cast of well-rounded characters inside its rather engrossing world makes the story extremely worthwhile.
Jae-Won Lim
It’s not all the time that a murim story centers around anything outside the occasional “tower,” “level up,” or “other world” journey - and it’s this departure from the norm that makesDeath Goda compelling read. Set in the time of the murim,Death Godbegins when orphan Jongli Chu avenges the death of his older brother by killing Hwang Jung, a member of the Heaven-Slaying Sect. While he seeks the help of the Imitating Blade Killer of Soul-Killing Chambers to avoid the pursuit of the Heaven-Slaying Sect, an all-out manhunt will force Jongli Chu to become a legendary “Death God.”
This revenge story-turned epic chase is set to take readers’ breaths away, from both the perspective of narrative and action. The initial revenge story gives a satisfying look to the tenacity of a young Jongli - a trait he carries well into adulthood by the time the “story” formally begins. Not to mention,Death Godexecutes one of the most thrilling chase sequences to ever grace manhwa. While art isn’tDeath God’s strongest suit, the way it manages to deliver satisfying action is a testament to its quality.
Hangli Jeong
Set in a time when the Han Empire hadn’t declined, its Imperial Martial Arts became a dominating force that crushed all other burgeoning martial arts in the era. With the Empire suffocating the populace with their tyrannical rule, the discovery of a new continent had begun a race for domination - aWild West Murim. Adapted from a webnovel of the same name by the same author,Wild West Murimofficially begins when wuxia fanatic Zhang Qian isreincarnated into this worldof Han Empire domination, with the lack of “other” martial arts being quite a surprise discovery.
Zhang Qian’s obsession with wuxia and being able to apply his beloved genre into a new world is a treat to watch, with his sense of justice always a treat to witness. The worldbuilding is a sight to behold, with the story seemingly looking “simple” but everything else in the background seems to imply something else is afoot. Seeing people on horseback toting leather coats and cowboy hats suddenly doing martial arts is an aesthetic thatWild West Murimperfects.
232
Jun 08, 2025 to Jun 27, 2025
Jung-Hoo Mun
The story ofGosubegins like a stereotypical martial arts story - protagonist Gang Yong swears vengeance on those who killed his master. In turn, he’s spent years perfecting his martial arts skills, ensuring he’s well-prepared to hunt down the traitors who murdered his master. Unfortunately for Gang Yong, he eventually discovers that the people he swore to hunt were already dead. With nothing else to do, Gang Yong realizes the world is his oyster.
While most of the events inGosuseem unrelated and rather light-hearted, the plot picks up its pace after the first beginning arcs. Its art remains polished and well-executed, with dialogue and action easy to follow - making for a compelling read. While its story is easy to follow and its plot is rather straightforward,Gosuis a delight to read for fans who simply want straightforward butdecently-executed martial arts actionwith a solid plot to back up each high-octane setpiece.
Tomassi
Following the premise of a traditional reincarnation cultivation manhwa,Volcanic Agebegins when protagonist Joo Seo-Cheon becomes Mount Hua’s great elder after surviving the Murim Age through sheer luck. However, when he finally dies, hereturns to his eight-year-old versionwith his memories intact. This technically allows Joo Seo-Cheon to use his foreknowledge to outpace and survive through turbulent times. Soon, Joo Seo-Cheon acquires treasures and tomes that provide him with powerful techniques. He also makes friends with valuable allies, such as a merchant, a child inventor, a poisoner, and even a swordsman.
Much of the fights within the series are interconnected, often to achieve one “sub-quest” within a major objective of the protagonists. Despite the initial confusion with character interrelations and general worldbuilding,Volcanic Ageeases readers into a deep world through various hijinks that often lead to spectacular displays of martial arts. While not perfect in terms of narrative, it doesn’t lack interesting story hooks.
Gomguck
Set against the backdrop ofa world engulfed by martial arts, Unseong begins his journey inHeavenly Demon Reborn!just as his life ends, right on the verge of death at the hands of those who believe his master is practicing forbidden demonic arts. While Unseong dies, he’s surprised to wake up as a child - this time training to be a soldier of the very demons his previous life detested. Now possessing newfound power, Unseong ofHeavenly Demon Reborn!must personify the very thing his master was accused of, transforming its story into a riveting tale of revenge.
Being a revenge story, much of Unseong’s journey inHeavenly Demon Reborn!involve avenging his master by defeating those who beat him to death. This soon revolves around a subplot of discovering the true mastermind of his death. The pacing suffers at times due to narrative breaks when it comes to exploring the lives of other characters, but it more than makes up for this with spectacular fight scenes that show just how truly terrifying demonic powers can become.
Cheolbyeok Jang
When monsters unexpectedly entered Earth from portals known as Gates, it also came with the unexpected awakening of hidden powers inside select individuals. This ushered in a war that humanity eventually won, and a post-war economy involving the raiding of these Gates for loot. Protagonist Jin Tae-Kyung beginsMurim Loginas a low-rank hunter who has just been terminated from work. After an unfortunate turn of events, he gets stuck in a game called “Murim,” where being killed also means dying in real life.
Albeit similarto the plot ofSword Art Online, the premise ofMurim Loginhas a protagonist who can fight isn’t solely predicated on level-up mechanics alone. Despite being a low-class hunter, Jin’s training in using the spear allows him to become a weapons user, with much of his real-life experiences becoming the basis of his strategies for surviving the game. Unlike other cultivation manhwa,Murim Login’s more comedic take on fights and conversation, and the underlying mystery behind the game and its residents make it a worthwhile read.
