Top 11 Korean Martial Arts Novels 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. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor

   4.3

   (1.8K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   The man forsaken by the world, the man a s*ave to money and the man known as the legendary God of War in the highly popular MMORPG Continent of Magic. With the coming of age, he decides to say goodbye, but the feeble attempt to earn a little something for his time and effort ripples into an effe...

   First Impressions

   "The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor" is a web novel that I finally decided to dive into after hearing about it for years. It's a sprawling story, and while I found aspects to enjoy, I also encountered some frustrations along the way. It's a mixed bag, but one that has some real gems hidden inside. Initially, I was hooked by the VRMMORPG setting and the promise of adventure. The main character, Weed (also known as Lee Hyun), is certainly unique. He's driven by a need for money, stemming from a difficult past, and his single-minded focus creates some genuinely funny situations. The early chapters ...

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3. Completed

   3

   HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

   SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

   4.3

   (1.2K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   I am dying to have a Class S Skill! ..

   First Impressions

   SSS-Class Suide Hunter… what a title! I dove into this web novel with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, given the rather intense premise. It's a story that seems to polarize readers, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others finding it deeply flawed. So, what did I think? Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed. The early chapters are a whirlwind of information, and the main character, Kim Gong-ja, isn't exactly the most likeable guy. He's envious, obsessive, and driven by a desire for revenge. However, I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did because the initial chaos gives way to something fa...

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4. Completed

   4

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Sovereign of Judgment

   4.2

   (839 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   A fighting genius. In grade 6, Choi Hyuk killed someone.

   First Impressions

   "Sovereign of Judgment" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its blend of action, adventure, and a dash of sci-fi elements. It's a story about survival, revenge, and the lengths one will go to achieve their goals. While it has its flaws, the overall experience has been a thrilling ride. The initial chapters threw me into a brutal survival game where the protagonist, Choi Hyuk, a suppressed fighting genius, is forced to unleash his true potential. I was immediately hooked by the premise and the fast-paced introduction. It felt like a battle royale with a martial arts twist....

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5. 

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   Return of Mount Hua Sect

   4.5

   (448 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   The 13th generation disciple of the Great Mount Hua Sect. One of the Three Great Swordsmen.

   First Impressions

   "Return of Mount Hua Sect" is a wild ride through the wuxia world, and I can definitely see why it's garnered so much love. It's a story about Chung Myung, an old ancestor reincarnated into the declining Mount Hua Sect, and his hilarious, often chaotic, journey to restore it to its former glory. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise is familiar – reincarnation, martial arts, a fallen sect – but the execution is what sets this novel apart. It’s a blend of action, adventure, and laugh-out-loud comedy, with a surprising amount of depth lurking beneath the surface. The first few cha...

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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Childhood Friend of the Zenith

   4.2

   (475 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Gu Yangcheon commited a lot of evil while serving the Heavenly Demon. But now Heavenly Demon was dead and Yangcheon became a prisoner of ‘Celestial Sword’ Wi Seol-Ah, the heroine who vanquished his master.

   First Impressions

   "Childhood Friend of the Zenith" promised a blend of martial arts, regression, and a touch of the demonic, so I dove in eager to see what it offered. After spending some time with it, here are my impressions. The initial premise is definitely intriguing. We have Gu Yangcheon, a former subordinate of the Heavenly Demon, reborn with a chance to rewrite his past. The regret and drama hinted at in the early chapters definitely grabbed my attention, and the idea of a protagonist grappling with past sins while navigating a new life is compelling. I was hooked immediately into the story....

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   I Became the Academy’s Pink Airhead

   4.4

   (240 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   A city of academies where high school girls converse with swords and spears in hand. A comedy character who loves macarons and a cup of tea.

   First Impressions

   "I Became the Academy’s Pink Airhead" is a wild ride, no doubt about it. This novel throws you headfirst into Academy City, where all-girls schools reign supreme and Ether is the name of the game. A gender-bent protagonist, a dash of martial arts, and a whole lot of chaotic energy? Sign me up! Initially, I was a bit disoriented. The story jumps ahead after a prologue showing a major battle. We meet Clara, our MC, a pink-haired "airhead" who seems to have it all figured out, even if she acts like she doesn't. I quickly realized that this disorientation is intentional, mirroring Clara's own adju...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   Rebirth of The Heavenly Demon (Jang Young Hun)

   4.3

   (210 ratings)

   Genre: action, martial arts, mature

   After defeating all the enemies of the Murim Alliance, the Demonic Alliance and the internal enemies; Cheon Hajin, the master of the Murim Alliance who held the title Strongest Under Heaven brought forth peace to all of Kang Ho. But one day he dies unexpectedly.

   First Impressions

   "Rebirth of The Heavenly Demon" presents a unique take on the reincarnation trope, and honestly, I've found myself quite engrossed in its world. It's a martial arts story at its heart, but it's the protagonist's maturity and the slow-burn plot that really sets it apart. Initially, I was a bit wary. Some readers found the beginning clichéd, pointing out the familiar "engagement cancellation" plotline and a seemingly unlikeable young master. I'll admit, those first few chapters didn't immediately grab me, but I decided to stick with it, and I'm glad I did. The initial setup serves as a springboa...

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9. 

   9

   #9 PICK

   Academy’s Drunk Fighter

   4.3

   (229 ratings)

   Genre: action, comedy, fantasy

   Somehow, I ended up possessing a character in an academy setting. “Our school has a strict no-alcohol policy for students.

   First Impressions

   "Academy's Drunk Fighter" throws you headfirst into a world of martial arts academies, gender-bending shenanigans, and a protagonist who's down on their luck – to put it mildly. The initial setup definitely piqued my interest. The premise of a transmigration into a body burdened by a curse, poverty, and an unfortunate penchant for public intoxication is certainly unique. I was eager to see how the author would balance the comedy and action elements. The novel does a solid job of establishing its world and the unique challenges faced by the main character. The blending of genres is also intrigu...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Adonis

    4.4

    (273 ratings)

    Genre: action, drama, fantasy

    “You were my enemy who always defeated me, but you were also a pretty good companion. ” “Shut up!

    First Impressions

    "Adonis" is a web novel that's been on my radar for a while, and after diving in, I can see why it has such a dedicated following. It's a blend of action, drama, fantasy, and romance, with a strong female lead at its core. While it's not without its flaws, the overall experience has been quite captivating. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a well-developed world and a strong female protagonist. The story starts with Ianna, a reincarnated character who has a lot of baggage from her past life. It took a bit to get my bearings, as the story dives deep into her history and the world's lo...

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11. 

    11

    #11 PICK

    Absolute Regression

    4.5

    (248 ratings)

    Genre: action, comedy, martial arts

    “Send me to the past. ” That’s how the first step toward revenge began.

    First Impressions

    After diving into "Absolute Regression," I can confidently say it's become a standout in the Murim genre for me. It's a story that's easy to get lost in, and one that I find myself recommending to anyone looking for a novel with depth and heart. The premise, a regression story centered around a member of the Demonic Sect seeking revenge, initially felt familiar. However, it quickly became clear that this novel goes beyond typical tropes. The cover might suggest a stoic protagonist, but the reality is far more nuanced. I found myself laughing out loud more often than I expected, a testament to ...

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