Top 11 Korean Fantasy Novels with Calm Protagonist in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   T*ash of the Count’s Family

   4.5

   (3.3K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   When I opened my eyes, I was inside a novel. I became a part of that novel as the tr*sh of the Count’s family, the family that oversaw the territory where the first village that Choi Han visits is located.

   First Impressions

   I finally dove into Tash of the Count’s Family, and I have to say, it's quite the ride. With its high overall rating and a massive list of tags, I was definitely curious to see what all the hype was about. Having read a fair chunk of it, I can see the appeal, but also some of the issues that might turn readers off. Initially, the premise felt familiar: a Korean transmigrator ends up in the body of a trashy noble within a novel he'd read. The MC's goal? To live a peaceful, wealthy life, avoiding all conflict. I was a little worried it would be another generic "lazy MC gets dragged into trouble"...

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2. 

   2

   RUNNER UP

   Dungeon Defense

   4.5

   (3.0K ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, ecchi

   Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.

   First Impressions

   Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

   4.6

   (2.4K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Kim Dok-Ja does not consider himself the protagonist of his own life. Befitting the name his parents gave him, he is a solitary person whose sole hobby is reading web novels.

   First Impressions

   "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" is a wild ride, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much attention. It’s the type of story that grabs you and refuses to let go, throwing you headfirst into a world that's both familiar and utterly bizarre. Overall, I found it a compelling read, although not without its quirks. The premise is undeniably intriguing: a lone reader, Kim Dokja, finds himself living in the world of the web novel he’s obsessed over for a decade. The world is transported to his, and he now has the immense knowledge of how it will end, or so he thinks. It's a fantastic setup t...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Kidnapped Dragons

   4.6

   (1.2K ratings)

   Genre: action, drama, fantasy

   – The planet [Earth] has entered the abnormal state [Apocalypse]. – You have failed in saving the Earth.

   First Impressions

   "Kidnapped Dragons" is a web novel that really took me by surprise. With its blend of action, drama, fantasy, and even slice-of-life elements, it's a story that's hard to pin down, but ultimately rewarding. The premise itself – a regressor MC who has failed to save the world six times, now tasked with caring for young dragons – felt intriguing enough to draw me in. Initially, I was a little wary. The sheer number of tags (over 60!) made me wonder if it would be a case of too many ideas vying for attention. And, admittedly, the early chapters might not grab everyone immediately. Some readers fo...

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5. 

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Turning

   4.8

   (869 ratings)

   Genre: action, adult, adventure

   Yuder was a commoner Omega who rose to the top with his ability. When he woke up again after being falsely accused and executed, he was back 11 years ago before everything began.

   First Impressions

   "Turning" is a web novel that has completely captivated me. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a slow-burn romance that's worth the wait, it's easy to see why it boasts such a high rating. This isn't a quick read, but it's a deeply rewarding one. Initially, the sheer length of "Turning" was daunting. Usually, I prefer shorter stories, but something about the premise intrigued me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the world and the complex dynamic between Yuder and Kishiar. It's a story that requires patience, but it quickly becomes clear that it's going to be a...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

   4.8

   (706 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   NOW HIRING — URGENT — Ghost Story Specialist Corporation Daydream Inc. (Ltd.

   First Impressions

   Okay, let's dive into "Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work." This web novel has been quite the ride, blending horror, comedy, and a healthy dose of office satire. I went in expecting a spooky adventure, and I definitely got that, but it was the unique blend of genres and the intriguing protagonist that really hooked me. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The premise seemed interesting enough – a guy gets thrown into ghost stories but still has to deal with the daily grind. It felt a bit like a supernatural SCP Foundation meets Dilbert, which is a weird combo, but it...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   God of Cooking

   4.4

   (685 ratings)

   Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy

   30-year-old Jo Minjoon has always wanted to become a chef. He started his culinary career late in life, however, and is currently chopping onions at a restaurant.

   First Impressions

   "God of Cooking" promised a delicious blend of cooking, romance, and a second chance, and honestly, it largely delivered. With a solid 4.4/5 rating, it's clear this novel has resonated with a lot of readers, including me. Initially, I was a little wary. The "game elements" tag made me think it might be another stat-obsessed story, but thankfully, that wasn't the case. The system is present, but it felt more like a tool than a crutch for the main character (MC). It's well-integrated, not awkward, and, as the MC grows, he relies on it less. The initial chapters felt like a tasty appetizer, setti...

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8. 

   8

   #8 PICK

   How to Live as the Enemy Prince

   4.4

   (404 ratings)

   Genre: adventure, comedy, drama

   I could hear the hum of life in my ears. It was hard to breathe….

   First Impressions

   "How to Live as the Enemy Prince" immediately grabbed my attention with its intriguing premise: a soldier reborn as the prince of the very kingdom he fought against. It's a setup ripe with potential for political intrigue, personal conflict, and a whole lot of clever maneuvering, and from what I've read, it largely delivers. The initial chapters are captivating, throwing you right into Calian's (formerly Bern's) struggle for survival. He's weak, vulnerable, and a target, which creates immediate tension. I found myself quickly invested in his plight and eager to see how he'd use his past knowle...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   Sword Pilgrim

   4.5

   (435 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   Callius von Jervain. A character who dies no matter what he does.

   First Impressions

   "Sword Pilgrim" has been quite the ride, and after diving deep into it, I've got some thoughts to share. It's a novel that clearly evokes strong reactions, both positive and negative, and I can definitely see why. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise – a writer transmigrated into his own game world. That's a hook that always gets me. The early chapters were intriguing, setting up a dark, medieval-esque world with a unique religious system involving turning the dead into weapons. I was ready for a grimdark adventure, and for a while, it delivered....

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    The Regressor and the Blind Saint

    4.5

    (414 ratings)

    Genre: action, adult, adventure

    “In this life, I will live for you. ” Vera, who had lived as a villain all his life, came to regret it upon meeting Renee, who sacrificed everything at the end of hers.

    First Impressions

    "The Regressor and the Blind Saint" is a novel that caught my eye with its intriguing premise: a ruthless man finds redemption through the kindness of a blind saintess and gets a second chance to dedicate his life to her. After diving in, I found a story with a lot of heart, but also a few aspects that might not appeal to everyone. Initially, I was hooked. The idea of a "sigma male" (as some readers jokingly put it) becoming a devoted protector is definitely appealing. The early chapters do a great job setting up the dynamic between Vera, the regressor, and Renee, the saintess. The potential f...

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11. Completed

    11

    #11 PICK

    If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die

    4.8

    (282 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    I suddenly found myself dropped into a fantasy kingdom story. But what’s the status of my scenario importance?

    First Impressions

    "If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die" is a wild ride that I'm so glad I decided to jump on. With a near-perfect rating and a sprawling storyline, I was intrigued, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it's so beloved. It's a unique blend of genres, and the execution is what really makes it shine. Initially, the title and summary made me think this would be another run-of-the-mill transmigration story. You know, the kind where the protagonist just clings to the main character for survival. But boy, was I wrong! From the get-go, the author throws you into a world brimming ...

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