TOP 20 MURIM MANHWA

If you’re craving a dose of high-octane martial arts, deep-rooted honor codes, and legendary warriors honing ancient cultivation techniques, then Murim manhwa should be your next obsession. Rooted in a fictional universe where martial clans, forbidden arts, and mystical energies clash, Murim manhwa blends historical inspiration with fantastical world-building. These Korean comics are all about epic battles, inner strength, and the path to martial transcendence—perfect for fans of powerful protagonists and philosophical rivalries.

Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned reader looking for your next favorite, here are 20 Murim manhwa that showcase the best of what this thrilling world has to offer.

The Breaker

Set in modern-day Korea, “The Breaker” follows a bullied high school student who trains under a mysterious martial arts master with a dark past. With slick, dynamic art and a compelling teacher-student bond, it fuses street-level grit with Murim power systems and inner energy manipulation. Themes of redemption, discipline, and self-discovery shine, making it a top-tier entry point into the genre.

The Breaker: New Waves

A direct sequel to “The Breaker,” this series continues the journey of Shi-Woon as he’s thrust deeper into the hidden world of Murim without the protection of his former master. It dives into factional warfare, internal growth, and unrelenting tension, balancing character development with explosive action.

Nano Machine

Set in a futuristic Murim world, this manhwa introduces a protagonist who receives a mysterious nanomachine implant, dramatically enhancing his martial prowess. Combining sci-fi with traditional martial tropes, it explores power escalation, revenge, and the cost of strength, all while maintaining sharp artwork and pacing.

Chronicles of the Heavenly Demon

After being betrayed and murdered by his own sect, a martial apprentice is reincarnated in the demonic cult that destroyed him. Fueled by vengeance and philosophical contradictions, this series explores the blurred lines between justice and evil while showcasing creative cultivation systems and dark, immersive world-building.

Legend of the Northern Blade

This beautifully illustrated tale follows Jin Mu-Won, the son of a betrayed warrior, as he quietly trains in isolation to revive his father’s legacy. It’s a slow burn but rewards patience with exceptional storytelling, emotional depth, and breathtaking action sequences that unfold with poetic gravity.

Peerless Dad

A rare blend of slice-of-life and martial arts, this manhwa follows a widowed warrior raising triplets while navigating battles in a Murim-influenced society. The heartwarming fatherhood moments contrast brilliantly with brutal fights and martial progression, making this one a unique gem in the genre.

Reformation of the Deadbeat Noble

Starting with a noble boy paralyzed by grief, the story takes a turn as he finds purpose through the sword. Though not strictly Murim, it shares themes of cultivation, perseverance, and honor found in classic martial tales. The emotional stakes and artwork elevate it beyond a typical coming-of-age narrative.

Gosu

Created by the minds behind “The Breaker,” “Gosu” is the tale of a chubby dumpling delivery boy who is secretly a martial prodigy. He seeks revenge for his master but is constantly caught in hilarious and heartfelt situations. It’s light-hearted yet packed with intense battles and unforgettable characters.

Volcanic Age

This manhwa follows an old man who regrets his life’s decisions, only to be sent back to his youth with full knowledge of future events. Blending strategic thinking with cultivation and martial combat, it’s a thrilling ride that examines second chances and the complexities of leadership and loyalty.

Return of the Mount Hua Sect

After waking from a coma centuries later, the once-great warrior of the Mount Hua Sect finds his sect in ruins. Determined to restore it to glory, he must train the next generation while battling modern martial powers. It’s both humorous and inspiring, with a charismatic lead who refuses to back down.

Infinite Leveling: Murim

A low-ranked warrior is given a chance to rise by restarting life with all his experience intact. As he progresses through levels like a game, the story evolves into a compelling blend of martial hierarchy, cultivation, and growth. Great for readers who enjoy RPG mechanics in their martial arts tales.

Sword Fanatic Wanders Through the Night

A blind swordsman cursed by fate wanders the land seeking vengeance and justice. The haunting art and slow-burn storytelling give this manhwa a noir-like tone. Themes of perseverance, isolation, and inner strength are portrayed with remarkable nuance.

Tale of a Scribe Who Retires to the Countryside

This story follows a scholarly scribe who gets drawn into the world of martial arts despite having no combat skills. Its strength lies in its humor, rich characters, and unique perspective—offering a refreshing take on the Murim world through the eyes of an outsider.

Heavenly Demon Instructor

When a powerless student accidentally awakens the spirit of a powerful demon instructor, he’s trained in a brutal martial path to stand up against his corrupt world. The series mixes fantasy with Murim, offering exhilarating progress arcs and powerful emotional payoffs.

Legend of Asura: The Venom Dragon

A boy raised by a venomous sect finds himself thrust into rivalries and bloodshed while hiding his dark training. The manhwa explores identity, duality, and inner control, all while delivering stylish visuals and dynamic clashes of ideology and swordplay.

Murim Login

In this genre-blending manhwa, a VR gamer enters a Murim-style world only to find out his progress follows him into real life. With strong world-building and satisfying power creep, it’s ideal for readers who enjoy fusion genres with strong martial elements.

Lightning Degree

A young boy sold as a slave finds purpose and mastery after being trained by eccentric martial masters. It’s heartfelt and filled with underdog energy, drawing readers in with comedic beats and sudden spikes of fierce action.

Bowblade Spirit

This title centers around a martial artist who masters the rarely-seen art of the bow in a world ruled by swords. The pacing is slower, but the focus on mental clarity, long-range tactics, and perseverance offers a fresh break from melee-heavy stories.

I Reincarnated as the Crazed Heir

What happens when the notorious heir of a demonic cult is possessed by the soul of a calm, peace-seeking man? This humorous, action-packed manhwa thrives on dual identity and clashing inner instincts, leading to an unpredictable and exciting read.

Martial Artist Lee Gwak

Tired of being ordinary, Lee Gwak finds himself entangled in Murim politics and dark power struggles. With grounded realism and a slow, satisfying growth arc, it’s a solid pick for fans of classic martial arts progression stories with emotional grit.

Murim manhwa can be read on platforms like Tapas, Webtoon, Tappytoon, KakaoPage, and Lezhin Comics, depending on the title and licensing. For those who’ve devoured this list and want more, similar genres to explore include cultivation manhwa, reincarnation fantasy, and martial arts xianxia webtoons from China that often share overlapping themes.

Whether you’re drawn to explosive showdowns or quiet character moments of self-growth, the world of Murim manhwa offers a richly layered reading experience that’s equal parts thrilling and meditative.