Loved 'Squid Game'? Here are some Korean comic books to binge-read now

Korean comic books, also called Manhwa, are the newest discovery of the literary world. In addition to Japanese comic books called Mangas, and the raging ‘Anime', Manhwa or the Korean Webtoons are the latest and most prominent obsession owing to the variety of genres that they cover. Unlike comic books around the world, Korean comic books can be accessed online for free, and save the reader the hassle of rushing to markets in time before stocks last. Apps- namely, Tapas, Webtoons and Lezhin- are where one can find the latest Manhwas and read them conveniently. Here we list some of the best Manhwas for you to read.

Created by SIU, this Manhwa has been on top of the charts for its popularity. Having been adapted into an anime, 'Tower of God' is the story of Bam and his friend Rachel. When Rachel decides to go into the Tower, Bam follows her. It, however, is no ordinary tower for the journey to the top of this tower is strewn with obstacles and challenges. Bam now has only one motive, to find Rachel. It is available on Webtoons for free for all readers!

Pic credit: Amazon

As the title itself suggests this Manhwa centers around the story of a gamer, but Jihan is no ordinary gamer. He develops the uncanny ability to see the world as a video game, detecting people’s ‘power levels' through a special display in his eyes. When he comes to know that his best friend has been in possession of this ability for years now, he finds out much more about this phenomenon and a different world called ‘Abyss’. 'The Gamer' has been created by Sangyoung Seong and is available on Webtoons for free.

Pic credit: Amazon

You get to choose what you want to increase- your strength, your beauty, your IQ or any other attribute, depending upon what you roll. The cube can change everything! When Dongtae meets Taebin, he is introduced to a new world of ‘dicers’. These are the people who use these cubes for themselves and also obtain them. Game Master X provides you with conquests that help you obtain more dice if you complete them. Created by Hyunseok Yun, 'Dice' is the first Manhwa to be translated into English and it can be read for free on Webtoons.

This name may sound familiar to Korean Drama lovers for it has already been adapted into one! 'The Cheese in the Trap' is largely a romantic story of Seol, who returns to University, and Yoo Jung, who hails from an affluent family. Financial differences separate the two but they are attracted to each other, and thus begins their relationship. This Manhwa explores love, its complications, and imperfections through a college drama. Created by Soonkki, 'Cheese in the Trap' can be read on Webtoons for free.

Pic credit: Wikipedia

Classic Gothic Literature is taken from comic books by Son Jae Ho, who tells the story of a vampire in his fantasy-action Manhwa. Cadis Etrama Di Raizel, popularly known as Rai, wakes up from his sleep of eight years to find himself in Korea. Frankenstein is a boy who agrees to be Rai’s servant and Rai also finds himself a group of friends at school who are intrigued by his former life. The story has been adapted into an Anime series and is a lengthy one. Thus making it worthy of a binge read.

Pic credit: Amazon

Based on the titular tournament, 'The God of High School' promises its winner whatever they wish. A taekwondo tournament to win which is the dream of many, also fascinates the 17-year-old protagonist, Mori Jin. He is a high school student in Seoul and enters the tournament. The Manhwa was adapted into an anime in 2020 which gained considerable popularity. You can access it for free on Webtoons.

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