Top 13 Korean Martial Arts Novels for Beginners in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

13 Novels

Korean martial arts novels blend elements from Chinese wuxia with Korean storytelling sensibilities. You'll find murim settings (martial arts world), sect politics, and cultivation-style progression, but often with faster pacing and clearer power hierarchies than Chinese counterparts. System interfaces sometimes appear here too, though they're less universal than in Korean fantasy.

For beginners, these selections balance accessibility with what makes the subgenre distinct. The martial arts tend to feel grounded early before scaling up, and training sequences matter. Regression and reincarnation premises show up frequently since they let protagonists leverage hidden knowledge. If you're coming from regular Korean action, the murim setting adds different worldbuilding conventions to learn.

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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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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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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
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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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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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#6 PICK
King Shura
4.3
(213 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Cho Ryu Hyang was good at math from a young age. When he enrolled into the The Theoretical Maths and Martial Arts School, the teacher, Jo Gi Chun, recognized Cho Ryu Hyang’s talent immediately and took him in.
First Impressions
I've been diving into the world of "King Shura," and it's been quite a ride. With a blend of action, adventure, and wuxia, it’s a novel that definitely tries to offer something different. It's easy to see why it has a solid rating, but it's not without its quirks. Initially, I was drawn in by the promise of a clever protagonist who uses intellect rather than brute force to navigate the martial world. The early chapters set a patient pace, focusing on world-building and character introductions. It felt like I was settling in for a slow-burn story, rich with detail and intrigue. The integration ...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy
4.3
(299 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
“You pathetic orc~ You can’t even take down a little girl? ” You’ve become a mesugaki character in an academy game.
First Impressions
"Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its quirky premise: a guy transmigrated into his game character, a girl with an uncontrollable urge to speak like a bratty child. It's a blend of action, adventure, comedy, and fantasy set within an academy setting, and I've found myself both charmed and frustrated by it. The initial chapters are undeniably fun. The concept of a protagonist forced to say the most antagonizing things, regardless of intent, is hilarious. It's a unique spin on the isekai trope and had me hooked from the start. I was eager to see how ...
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8
#8 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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Conclusion

Korean martial arts occupies a middle ground between Chinese wuxia and Korean system-lit. These beginner picks should help you determine if the murim setting appeals to you. If it does, the subgenre has considerable depth; if not, other Korean genres might suit you better.

How We Create Our 2026 Rankings

Our 2026 novel rankings are created through a comprehensive, data-driven process that combines quantitative metrics with qualitative editorial review. Here's how we ensure our rankings reflect the best novels available today.

Data Collection

We aggregate reading data, ratings, and engagement metrics from thousands of readers across multiple platforms, updated regularly throughout 2026.

Community Input

Reader ratings and reviews form the foundation of our rankings. We weight votes based on verified reading history to ensure authenticity.

Quality Scoring

Each novel receives a composite score based on average rating, vote count, reading list additions, and reader retention metrics.

Editorial Review

Our editorial team reviews top candidates for writing quality, translation accuracy, and overall reader experience.

Regular Updates

Rankings are refreshed quarterly to reflect new releases, updated ratings, and shifting reader preferences in 2026.

Transparency

We publish our methodology openly so readers understand exactly how novels earn their positions in our rankings.

Our 2026 Ranking Criteria

40%Reader Rating Score (weighted by vote count and recency)
25%Popularity Metrics (reading list additions, active readers)
20%Engagement Score (comments, reviews, recommendations)
15%Editorial Assessment (writing quality, translation, completeness)

Last updated: January 27, 2026 | Rankings reflect data collected through 2026

Ranked Novels

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor

First Impressions

SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

First Impressions

Return of Mount Hua Sect

First Impressions

Adonis

First Impressions

King Shura

First Impressions