Top 13 Korean Martial Arts Novels for Newcomers in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

13 Novels

Korean martial arts novels exist in a space between Chinese wuxia and Korean system novels. The setting is typically murim, a martial arts world with sects, cultivation, and hierarchies. Korean authors tend to pace these faster than Chinese equivalents, and you'll sometimes see system elements blended in. Regression premises are common since they let protagonists leverage foreknowledge.

For newcomers, these picks explain their worlds as they go rather than assuming familiarity. You'll learn the sect structures and power levels through the story rather than needing background knowledge. The martial arts feel grounded early before escalating, and training sequences actually matter to later plot developments.

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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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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Completed
6
#6 PICK
ID – The Greatest Fusion Fantasy
4.6
(149 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
We find Chunwha in a world beyond his own. There he will struggle to find his own purpose among the many inhabitants of the new world including elves, dwarfs, and even mages!
First Impressions
"ID – The Greatest Fusion Fantasy" is a web novel that I've been diving into, and it's quite the ride, even with its bittersweet ending (or lack thereof). The blend of Korean martial arts fantasy with elements of magic is something I found quite unique and engaging. Initially, I was drawn in by the sheer number of positive reviews. The premise of a "pretty girly guy" from another world navigating a new reality with a mysterious background felt intriguing. I will admit, the early chapters felt a little slow-paced, with less action than I'd anticipated. However, the humor and character interacti...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
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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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Breakers
4.1
(777 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
My name is Joo In-gong. The name that my parents gave me meant ‘protagonist’ of the world.
First Impressions
"Breakers" is a web novel that I found to be a mixed bag, but ultimately an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, read. It has an interesting premise, with a protagonist transported into the world of his favorite game, but the execution has both high points and some definite drawbacks. Initially, I was hooked by the idea of someone using their meta-knowledge to change the fate of a weak character. The early chapters set up a world with potential, and the protagonist's "Protagonist Correction" skill was a fun twist. It felt like a fresh take on the familiar isekai trope. However, as I read further, I ...
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Conclusion

Korean martial arts rewards readers who enjoy the murim setting and sect-based politics. If these newcomer selections click, there's considerable depth to explore. If the conventions feel unfamiliar or tedious, that's useful preference information.

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

ID – The Greatest Fusion Fantasy

First Impressions