Top 13 Korean Cultivation Weak to Strong Novels in 2026

Ranked Novels

1. Completed

   1

   TOP PICK

   Everyone Else is a Returnee

   4.3

   (3.5K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Yu Ilhan was always the one left behind. Left out of cliques in school.

   First Impressions

   "Everyone Else is a Returnee" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its high overall rating and diverse range of reader opinions. It’s a story about a protagonist left behind on Earth while everyone else is transported to another world to train for a coming apocalypse. The premise is intriguing and promises a unique take on familiar tropes, but does it deliver? Here's my take. Initially, I was hooked by the concept. A loner, overlooked by the divine, gains immense power through sheer dedication and hard work. It's a classic underdog story with a twist....

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2. Completed

   2

   RUNNER UP

   The Second Coming of Gluttony

   4.3

   (2.9K ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   “The son of god Gula has returned. ” I was lost in the world of gambling.

   First Impressions

   I've spent some time diving into "The Second Coming of Gluttony," and it's been quite the ride. This web novel certainly has its strong points, but it's not without its flaws. It’s one of those stories that really grabs you, but also makes you scratch your head at times. Initially, I was hooked by the unique premise. The main character, Seol, starts as a complete scumbag – a gambling addict who's hit rock bottom. This isn't your typical wish-fulfillment isekai. Instead, it promises a genuine redemption arc, fueled by the bitterness of past mistakes. The initial tutorial and neutral zone segmen...

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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

   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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5. Completed

   5

   EDITORS CHOICE

   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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6. Completed

   6

   #6 PICK

   Ending Maker

   4.5

   (991 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   Two heroes of the game Legend of Heroes 2 who were rotten waters*. Kang Jin-ho in the first place and Hong Yoo Hee in the second place.

   First Impressions

   "Ending Maker" promised a fun ride through a familiar yet twisted reincarnation story, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a story where two gamers find themselves inside the world of their favorite game, armed with meta-knowledge and a chance to avert a looming apocalypse. Right off the bat, I was drawn in by the dynamic between Jude and Cordelia. The initial chapters are filled with quirky banter and humorous situations as they navigate their new reality. Their relationship starts off as a rivalry friendship, and watching them plan, support each other, and grow together is genuinely en...

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7. Completed

   7

   #7 PICK

   Praise the Orc!

   4.3

   (875 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, fantasy

   Praise the Orc! is about Jung Ian, a cafe owner with a dark past, jumping into the world of virtual reality in order to protect his sister from any predators.

   First Impressions

   "Praise the Orc!" is a VRMMORPG novel that initially gave me pause, but ultimately won me over with its surprising depth and heartfelt exploration of honor, morality, and the connections we forge, both in and out of the game. It's definitely not your typical power-fantasy VR romp, and that's precisely what makes it so compelling. I'll admit, the premise felt a little shaky at first. The idea of a former soldier diving into a VR game to protect his sister from potential harassment seemed a bit… contrived. The "Orc as a Creator's Mistake" trope also felt like a tired cliché. I almost didn't give...

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8. Completed

   8

   #8 PICK

   A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

   4.4

   (718 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, drama

   On the way to a company workshop, we fell into a world of immortal cultivators while still in the car. Those with spiritual roots and unique abilities were all called to join cultivation sects, living prosperously.

   First Impressions

   "A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation" is quite the ride, a Korean take on the xianxia genre with a unique flavor. The premise is intriguing: a group of ordinary folks get isekai'd into a cultivation world, and our MC, unlike his colleagues, discovers his talent is regression upon his death. It's a blend of action, adventure, drama, and a whole lot more, making for a complex story. Initially, I found myself drawn to the story. The early focus on martial arts, before the cultivation aspects really kicked in, was a breath of fresh air. I appreciated the detailed explanations and the unique system t...

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9. Completed

   9

   #9 PICK

   The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter

   4.3

   (611 ratings)

   Genre: action, adventure, comedy

   I possessed the weakest character in my favorite game’s Hell Mode. I want to survive, but the way the main character is being controlled is atrocious.

   First Impressions

   "The Academy’s Weakest Became A Demon-Limited Hunter" is a web novel that I dove into with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its somewhat generic-sounding title. It's a story about a protagonist who finds himself in a game world, specifically an academy setting, with a unique power that makes him incredibly strong against demons but leaves him vulnerable otherwise. Here's my take after absorbing the general sentiment around the novel. Initially, the premise felt familiar – another isekai with a system and an academy setting. Some readers might be instantly turned off by this, and I un...

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10. Completed

    10

    #10 PICK

    Incompatible Interspecies Wives

    4.3

    (369 ratings)

    Genre: adult, adventure, drama

    Polygamy is abolished.

    First Impressions

    I dove into "Incompatible Interspecies Wives" with a mix of curiosity and trepidation. The title alone, with its promise of a harem, usually sends me running, but something about the premise intrigued me. I'm glad I took the plunge, because this novel offers a surprisingly complex and emotionally engaging experience. The initial chapters are a bit slow. I found myself wondering if the pacing would pick up. However, I soon realized that this slow burn was intentional, allowing for a deep dive into the protagonist, Berg's, background and the early, pivotal relationships that shape his journey. T...

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11. 

    11

    #11 PICK

    I Became the Cute One in the Troubleshooter Squad

    4.5

    (376 ratings)

    Genre: action, adventure, comedy

    A world where dragons serve as mayors, elves work in sales, and orcs brew coffee. In a city full of enhanced humans and wandering wizards, I became a young girl with psychic powers.

    First Impressions

    I Became the Cute One in the Troubleshooter Squad certainly grabbed my attention with its intriguing title and genre mix. I dove in with high hopes, and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed. It’s a fun ride so far, blending cyberpunk dystopia with fantasy elements and a dash of slice-of-life. The premise is definitely unique. We have a gender-bent protagonist, Yuria, who finds herself in a world that feels like a Shadowrun campaign come to life. The world-building is compelling, creating a semi-dystopian future brimming with magic and diverse races. I was immediately drawn into this strange,...

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12. Completed

    12

    #12 PICK

    Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?

    4.4

    (463 ratings)

    Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy

    She possessed a villainess who is known and hated for her evil acts in an unpopular novel. But because of her personality, it was extremely difficult for her to play the villainess role.

    First Impressions

    "Isn’t Being A Wicked Woman Much Better?" promised a fun twist on the villainess trope, and for the most part, it delivered a lighthearted and engaging read. I went in expecting a cunning protagonist and found myself pleasantly surprised by the comedic undertones and focus on personal growth. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise of a protagonist deciding to embrace a "villainess" persona after realizing her pushover tendencies in a past life. The early chapters were promising, showcasing her attempts to navigate this new role while grappling with her own insecurities. It felt relatable and...

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13. 

    13

    #13 PICK

    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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