One of the most popular genres in South Korea,murim manhwarepresents a captivating combination of martial arts, the supernatural, and heroic ventures, usually set in a vast and fantastical world. The word “murim” usually represents a society of martial arts, and the genre draws inspiration from the East Asian martial arts culture.
Heavily dominated by concepts of martial arts culture, the genre explores the relationship between the physical and the metaphysical and creates intense and thrilling narratives. It also incorporates various subgenres, accommodating a broader range of readers. Regarding murim manhwa, here are some of the best the genre offers.
Updated on June 16, 2025 by Mark Sammut:Murim stories are not only extremely popular, but they are also synonymous with manhwa. This genre arguably defines the industry, being its most unique representative. If you are craving a good martial arts supernatural story, thesefantastic murim manhwawill get you there.
Fist Demon of Mount Hua
Anime-Planet: 3.93/5
Born with a lame leg and discriminated against, Dam-Hohas the worst possible condition for a martial artist due to his disability. Despite being severely mocked and told that it is impossible to become a martial artist, Dam-Ho is persistent in his training to overcome his limits. Thought to bedead in an unfortunate expedition, Dam-Ho is abandoned by his sect under the rubble of a mountain. Still, with a burning desire to survive and go beyond his limits, Dam-Ho re-emerges as a master at the mention of whose name all the murim will come to fear and acknowledge.
Due to being canceled,Fist Demon of Mount Huais a bit harder to recommend nowadays since the story will likely never be complete. That said, the available content is generally fantastic, offering great art and a fascinating story with a strong protagonist. Even in its current state,Fist Demon of Mount Huais still one of thebest murim manhwa.
Absolute Sword Sense
Anime-Planet: 4.12/5
Absolute Sword Senseis like the quintessential murim manhwa. Not necessarily in terms of popularity, but the story is about as “traditional” for the genre as it gets. Woonhwi So, a weakling who can’t use this universe’s main power source, dies while on a mission for his clan, only to be sent back in time to the day that changed his life forever. More importantly, he gains a unique ability that gives him an edge in battle. After that, we get the usual clan warfare, epic battles, politics, and an MC who goes on a gradual journey to become stronger.
Yes,Absolute Sword Sensecan come across as slightly generic or predictable at times, but this formula is popular because it works. While not telling the most original story ever, this manhwa excels in nearly every other aspect, be it art, pacing, fight sequences, or just plain old world-building.Absolute Sword Sensemight not be the best in class in any specific area, but it is respectable in all of them.
Anime-Planet: 4.29/5
Return of the Mad Demonhas a catchy title that raises some expectations, primarily of a protagonist who is a bit more outlandish and over-the-top than usual. Surprisingly, the manhwa sticks to its title and premise, as Jaha Lee is genuinely quite ridiculous and often acts in ways that defy logic. He lives up to the “mad demon” moniker, which is refreshing.
So, what is the story? Well, Jaha aspired to become the God ofMartial Arts, but he never quite managed to reach that level. His dream also saw him making plenty of enemies, all setting the stage for a climactic and, ultimately, fatal battle. However, rather than drift into the unknown, Jaha travels back in time and reawakens in his 20s. Armed with details of the future and the martial arts skills he acquired over decades, Jaha has to now decide how to use this knowledge, while fully aware that decisions have consequences.
Gosu
Anime-Planet: 4.15/5
Gosufollows the protagonist, Gang Ryong, a martial artist burdened with his master’s revenge. His master, Dokgo Ryongthe Heavenly Destroyer,once the most feared martial master of the murim, was betrayed by his followers and allies.
As a dying wish of his master, Gang Ryong takes up his master’s request for vengeance, armed with his master’s overwhelming martial arts. Raised to bethe ultimate weaponfor his master’s enemies, Gang Ryong grows immensely powerful and ensures to fulfill his master’s dying wish. While a bit long in the tooth at times, at its peak,Gosuis phenomenal, featuring some of the best fight sequences in the murim genre. The manhwa should be receiving an anime soon, which is exciting.
Before readingGosu, I recommend checking outYongbi the Invincible, which is essentially a prequel. It is also great.
Murim Login
Anime-Planet: 4.27/5
The story, set in a world of monsters and hunters, followsJin Tae-Kyung, a low-ranking monster hunter struggling to make a living. He comes across a peculiar VR machine and accidentally logs into a game, which is, in fact, another world: a murim world.
With no choice but to survive in the hope of escaping the game, he is forced to level up, and after several attempts, he finally returns to his world. He soon finds out that all the skills and abilities gained in the game have been transferred back to his reality. Out of care for the comrades he makes in the game, he chooses to return to the game. Incorporating isekai elements,Murim Loginmanages to do justice to all its popular themes, with top-notch fights and art. While the real world is kept around by the plot, the majority of the story takes place in the murim realm, and that is for the better.
Reaper Of The Drifting Moon (Or The Reaper)
The Reaperis another captivating tale ofrevenge, martial arts, and violence. The story follows Pyo Wol, a young orphan and wanderer. Without family or relatives, Pyo Wol wanders around the continent, exploring and experiencing it firsthand. His life of freedom, however, takes a sour turn when he is kidnapped and forcedto become an assassin.
Determined to survive, he endures through hellish training until it is time to fulfill his objective. Trying to find the mastermind behind his abduction, he is left on the brink of death and undergoes a deadly transformation, and with this, he is finally ready to begin his quest for vengeance.The Reaperhas produced two very good seasons that work splendidly as power fantasies, although they do emphasize Pyo Wol’s growth rather than just focusing on making him feel OP.
Anime-Planet: 4.19/5
Contrary to the typical murim manhwa,Peerless Dadpresents a much more wholesome story offatherhood, marriage, and single parenthoodunderneath the usual battles, martial techniques, and intimidating individuals.
The story centers around Gajang Noh, a single father of two children who loses his wife after the birth of his second child. Devastated by the loss of his wife, he promises never to neglect his children in any circumstance. Gajang is not particularly quick-witted, but he is skilled enough as a martial artist, and for the sake of his children, he is determined to improve his skills and protect them. While not devoid of action or heavy stakes,Peerless Dadoffers a more family-oriented and almost slice-of-life take on the murim concept, at least at times.
Absolute Regression
Murim generally leans into pure power fantasy territory, and there is nothing wrong with that. I love a good OP MC, and this genre is stacked with them. However, thebest murim manhwacombine showcases of power with nuanced characters, complex relationships, and ambitious world-building, rather than just relying on the rule of cool.
Absolute Regressionis one of the better full packages in the genre, at least going by its currently available chapters. Yes, it has great art, exciting fights, time-travel, and an impending threat that the protagonist is working towards overcoming. However, these “standard” elements are enhanced by character-driven writing that focuses on the MC’s desire to right his previous life’s wrongs, including exploring and improving his relationships with his father and brother. Mugeuk Geom wants to use his experience to craft a happier life, and that goes beyond becoming the ultimate powerhouse who wrecks everyone and everything.
Nano Machine
Anime-Planet: 4.36/5
The protagonist, Yeon-Woo Cheon, seems destined to live a life of weakness and oppression, but he suddenly obtains a unique item, the Nano Machine, that infusesa unique power systeminto his body. Seizing his window of opportunity, Yeon-Woo quickly rises through the ranks of the demonic with the aid of the Nanomachine, becoming immensely powerful along the way. Determined to reach the pinnacle of strength of the Heavenly Demonic Cult, Yeon-Woo must prove his strength to all. The story combines the classical trope of the overpowered main character, who constantly gets stronger, making for an engaging read.
Nano Machineblends murim, fantasy, and sci-fi surprisingly well, a combination that is quite difficult to find. For the most part, the original driving force behind the story is revenge, and these arcs firmly establishNano Machineas an all-time great manhwa.
The Breaker
Anime-Planet: 4.34/5
The Breakerbrings the world of the murim to modern society, making for an exciting combination. The story followsShi Woon Yi, a weak high school student who is the target of constant assault and bullying at his school. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he accidentally discovers that the newly transferred teacher, Chunwoo Han, is a martial arts master. Witnessing his teacher’s skills, he begs Chunwoo to make him his disciple and teach him how to defend himself. With this, Shi Woon becomes a part of the dangerous world of the murim, where only the strong can survive.
An argument could be made thatThe Breakeris the most influential andimportant murim manhwaof all time. Debuting in 2007 and lasting until 2010, the original series helped introduce South Korean webtoons to an international audience. It was successful enough to spawn two sequels, and the second one (The Breaker: Eternal Force) is currently ongoing.The Breakergoes against the norm by featuring a protagonist, Shiwoon, who is far from overpowered, to the point of coming across as notably weak at times.
WhileThe BreakerandNew Wavesare not on Webtoon,The Breaker: Eternal Forceis part of the site.
