If you enjoy immersing yourself in intriguing stories of the past with great heroes, gripping drama, and a little romance, then historical manhwa is just what you’re looking for. Korean historical manhwa tends to combine political maneuvering, struggles for power, and exquisite artwork to create an engaging reading experience.
Here at this blog, we have the most highly recommended historical manhwa completed and on-going series for you to add to your list of must-reads. You might be in the mood for an empowering female protagonist, a suspenseful revenge tale, or a whimsical romance—there is something here for every fan!
1. What’s Wrong With You, Duke?
- Author:Bandalbanji
- Genre: Romance, Historical, Drama
- Type: Manhwa
- Release Date: 2021
- Total Chapters: 70+
- Status: Ongoing
Imagine waking up as a character who was once a villainess in a novel, but now you’re in the middle of an unpredictable situation. That’s exactly what happens to the main character in What’s Wrong With You, Duke? She’s reborn into the body of a once-evil princess who needs to fix her relationship with a duke. As the stakes rise and intricate political events take place, the heroine has to walk through a delicate maze of royal expectations, love, and treachery.
If you enjoy Korean historical manhwa with a dash of romance and power plays, this series is a great pick for your next binge.
2. The Villainess Lives Again
- Author: PEACHBERRY, Mint
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
- Type:Manhwa
- Release Date: 2020
- Total Chapters: 90+
- Status: Completed
What if a villainess is given a second chance at redemption? In The Villainess Lives Again, the narrative is about a female character who was a former villain in her past life before waking up in a different era with a chance to change her destiny. This historical manhwa recommendation complete is a character-driven redemption, love, and revenge story.
Readers of top historical manhwa will love the smart female protagonist who relies on her wit and charm to shift the odds in her direction. With intelligent plotting and emotional resonance, The Villainess Lives Again is an action-packed historical drama you won’t be able to get enough of.
3. Princess Imprints a Traitor
- Author:Lee Rinbi
- Genre: Romance, Historical, Political
- Type: Manhwa
- Release Date: 2022
- Total Chapters: 50+
- Status: Ongoing
Part of a royal court rife with danger and sabotage, Princess Imprints a Traitor is a story of love, deception, and survival. The main character is a princess who has to survive the fatal game of politics in her kingdom while avenging her family’s loss. She finds help from a mystical traitor in her quest. Historical manhwa is ideal for readers who like political politics combined with romance and action.
4. My Royal Awakening
- Author: Dopamin / Gu-sa
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Historical
- Type: Manhwa
- Release Date: 2019
- Total Chapters: 120+
- Status: Completed
When a lady from contemporary society is awakened to find herself in the form of a forgotten princess, all is changed. My Royal Awakening is an intriguing journey of royal politics, self-discovery, and quest for justice. When the main character attempts to learn about her new life, she has to face entrenched conspiracies, familial secrets, and an impending power struggle. With its engaging plot and breathtaking artwork, this is one of the top historical manhwa today.
5. The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion
- Author: Whale, Milcha
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Historical
- Type: Manhwa
- Release Date: 2020
- Total Chapters: 80+
- Status: Ongoing
In The Reason Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion, the heroine is reincarnated as one of the female protagonists in a romance novel, and she’s hell-bent on altering her destiny. She develops an unlikely relationship with a Duke, whose aloof facade conceals several secrets. This historical manhwa whisks you away on a romantic but action-packed journey through a convoluted world of intrigue, betrayal, and secret agendas. If you like Korean historical manhwa with heavy romance, this is an ideal choice.
6. The Princess is Evil
- Author: Popular Author
- Genre: Romance, Historical, Drama
- Type:Manhwa
- Release Date: 2021
- Total Chapters: 100+
- Status: Ongoing
A princess who’s commonly misconceived for her wicked actions—The Princess is Evil delves into the emotional process of a princess who needs to demonstrate her value and contend with the intricacies of being a powerful yet vulnerable female in a ruthless royal court. With breathtaking art and an engrossing narrative, this manhwa is highly recommended for readers who like reading about powerful female protagonists in historical manhwa settings.
7. What It Takes To Be A Villainess
- Author: HÆON, Yuns, Min(REDICE STUDIO)
- Genre: Drama, Historical, Romance
- Type:Manhwa
- Release Date: 2021
- Total Chapters: 60+
- Status: Completed
As the title indicates, What It Takes To Be A Villainess tells the story of a female character who, in her previous life, was infamous as a villainess. Now, with her opportunity to redeem herself, she has to work her way through her new position using elegance, intelligence, and authority. This is a great historical manhwa recommendation done for those who love character development and a dive into royal politics.
8. Shadow Bride
- Author: Red parsley, whitefence
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Historical
- Type: Manhwa
- Release Date: 2019
- Total Chapters: 50+
- Status: Ongoing
Shadow Bride is a thrilling historical manhwa novel of a young woman who gets married to redeem her family’s honor, but her new husband turns out to be having sinister secrets. There are twists, drama, and romance in this novel that will leave you in suspense, wanting to know what will happen next.
9. The Elixir of the Sun
- Author: Konn, One
- Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance
- Type: Manhwa
- Release Date: 2021
- Total Chapters: 40+
- Status: Ongoing
In a kingdom where alchemy is the key to power, the heroine stumbles upon a secret elixir that has the potential to alter the destiny of her kingdom. With great power, however, comes great risk. This historical manhwa is an adventure of discovery, power, and romance. For readers of mystical themes in Korean historical manhwa, this one is a must-read.
10. Princess in the Rough
- Author: Harasyo
- Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
- Type: Manhwa
- Release Date: 2022
- Total Chapters: 60+
- Status: Ongoing
A princess who has been underestimated her entire life transcends her station and demonstrates her value. Princess in the Rough is an ideal historical manhwa for readers who enjoy stories of overcoming adversity and acquiring power in a cruel world. With luxurious artwork and a robust story, this is another best historical manhwa that needs to be on your reading list.
Conclusion
If you enjoy historical manhwa, these titles bring out some of the finest storytelling, world-building, and character development available in the genre. With love and betrayal, power struggles, and royal intrigue, these Korean historical manhwa recommendations give a glimpse of a world rich in complexity and charm. Whether you’re new to the genre or searching for your next binge-worthy series, these Korean historical manhwa will be keeping you glued to the pages from beginning to end.
Discover these titles and dive into the realm of history, fantasy, and romance today!
