Top 13 Korean Martial Arts Novels with Reincarnation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

13 Novels

Reincarnation gives martial arts novels a built-in advantage: the protagonist already knows what's coming. Korean authors lean into this harder than other origins, often making the MC a regressor who died at the peak of power and now returns with full knowledge of cultivation shortcuts, hidden treasures, and future enemies. The satisfaction comes from watching them outmaneuver rivals who don't know they're playing a rigged game.

The formula can get predictable. Many follow the same beats: return to youth, crush former bullies, collect resources before others realize their value. What elevates the better entries is either strong character writing or genuinely clever applications of future knowledge beyond simple power accumulation.

Completed
1
TOP 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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Star Instructor, Master Baek
4.3
(125 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
After his qi center is destroyed, a martial arts instructor of the Blood Demon Cult is assigned to learn and research the martial arts of four captured murim masters. However, when the Cult betrays him and decides to kill him, he fights back and everyone in the Cult dies, including himself.
First Impressions
"Star Instructor, Master Baek" is a web novel that I found myself surprisingly drawn into. It's a blend of martial arts, academy life, and a touch of fantasy, all wrapped around a protagonist who's both endearing and cunning. While it has its flaws, the strengths of the story, particularly its characters and their relationships, kept me hooked. Initially, I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise seemed somewhat familiar – a reincarnated protagonist with a troubled past becoming an instructor at an academy. However, it quickly became apparent that this story had a unique charm. The early chapt...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
I Married A Crazy Duke Who Killed My Husband
4.2
(19 ratings)
Genre: adventure, comedy, drama
Q. I’ve regained memories of my past life, but unfortunately, it’s right before spending the first night with a senile marquis.
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "I Married A Crazy Duke Who Killed My Husband." With a title like that, I knew I was in for a wild ride, and honestly, I wasn't disappointed. The premise is definitely attention-grabbing. It's a story that throws you straight into the deep end, and the initial chapters are a whirlwind of political intrigue, personal vendettas, and a healthy dose of "how did I get here?" It’s the kind of setup that demands you keep reading to figure out what's going on and, more importantly, how the protagonist will navigate such a complicated situation....
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
The Return of The Crazy Demon
4.3
(99 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
Yi Zaha. The crazy demon crazy for martial arts.
First Impressions
I jumped into "The Return of The Crazy Demon" with a mix of excitement and trepidation. The premise – a regressed martial arts master with a screw or two loose – sounded like a recipe for either brilliance or disaster. Having read a significant chunk of the currently translated chapters, I can confidently say it's a bit of both, leaning heavily towards the former. Initially, I was hooked by the sheer unpredictability of the main character, Lee Zaha. He's not your typical stoic protagonist; he's genuinely unhinged, and his actions often caught me completely off guard. The first-person perspecti...
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6
#6 PICK
The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman
3.9
(274 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Raon’s entire life had been lived as a dog on a leash. Through a twist of fate, he obtained a new life.
First Impressions
I dove into "The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman" with a mix of excitement and trepidation, given its popularity and the mixed bag of opinions surrounding it. While I can see why some readers are hooked, I also understand the criticisms leveled against it. It’s a novel that definitely has its strengths, but also some noticeable shortcomings that might deter certain readers. Initially, I found the premise intriguing: an assassin reincarnated into a world of swords and magic. The early chapters set the stage well enough, introducing Raon, our protagonist, and hinting at the challenge...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
The Huntress, Your Knight Next Door
3.8
(71 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
“Dad, in my previous life I was a knight. ” “Huh?
First Impressions
"The Huntress, Your Knight Next Door" presents an interesting premise: a female knight from another world merging with a younger girl in a world with dungeons and hunters. I went in expecting a fun, action-packed story, and while it has potential, I have some mixed feelings after considering what others have said. The initial chapters definitely throw you right into the thick of things. Some find this exciting, jumping straight into the action. Others may find it jarring, as the story starts rapidly without establishing a solid foundation. It feels like you're dropped into the middle of an ong...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
Martial Wild West
4.0
(33 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
He reincarnated in a world where martial arts exist. Is the land beyond the sea the world he knew?
First Impressions
"Martial Wild West" immediately grabbed my attention with its unique blend of wuxia and Western elements. The premise alone promised something different, and having finished it, I can say it largely delivers. It's a wild ride, full of action, adventure, and morally gray characters. What struck me first was the protagonist. He's not your typical goody-two-shoes hero. He's pragmatic, sometimes ruthless, and definitely not afraid to get his hands dirty. This immediately set it apart from many other martial arts stories I've read, where the main character is often bound by an unwavering sense of j...
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Conclusion

If you're new to this subgenre, start with the higher-rated entries and see how much the "second chance" premise appeals to you. Some readers find it compelling forever. Others burn out after a few novels when the pattern becomes too obvious.

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

Childhood Friend of the Zenith

First Impressions

Adonis

First Impressions

Star Instructor, Master Baek

First Impressions

I Married A Crazy Duke Who Killed My Husband

First Impressions

The Return of The Crazy Demon

First Impressions

The Reincarnated Assassin is a Genius Swordsman

First Impressions