Top 15 Korean Sci-fi Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

15 Novels

Korean sci-fi web novels tend toward certain recurring elements: gates or dungeons appearing in modern settings, system-based abilities, and protagonists who approach problems analytically. The genre borrows from litRPG and survival fiction while maintaining Korean web novel pacing and character types. Pure hard sci-fi is less common than genre blends.

What I appreciate about Korean sci-fi is the attention to logical consistency. The power systems usually have clear rules that the narrative respects. When the MC exploits a loophole, it feels earned because the reader can trace the reasoning. This contrasts with softer fantasy where things just work because they work.

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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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Completed
2
RUNNER UP
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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Completed
3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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
4
EDITORS CHOICE
You’ve Got The Wrong House, Villain
4.3
(982 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, josei
As if it wasn’t enough for me to be reincarnated as a child in the slums, I was taken to a city of crime and became a test subject. But then, when I saw the man that came to destroy the research institute, I realized that this was the world of an angst-filled reverse harem novel.
First Impressions
"You've Got The Wrong House, Villain" had me intrigued from the start with its unique premise. It blends familiar tropes of reincarnation and reverse harems with a dash of sci-fi and psychological elements, which is quite the combination! While it's not without its flaws, there's definitely something captivating about this story that kept me reading. Initially, I was drawn in by the MC, Yuri. The idea of a cool, level-headed woman with superpowers, navigating a world she knows from a novel, seemed promising. The early chapters set a good pace, introducing the core characters and hinting at the...
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Completed
5
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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6
#6 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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7
#7 PICK
Ex Rank Supporting Role’s Replay in a Prestigious School
4.2
(442 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
When I cleared the final chapter of a game that was a national failure, I became a side character within it. A non-standard, immeasurable, EX-rank unnamed side character.
First Impressions
I've been diving deep into the world of "Ex Rank Supporting Role’s Replay in a Prestigious School," and I've got some thoughts to share. This novel is quite the ride, with its own unique charm and a few bumps along the way. I've been hooked enough to keep reading, and I think it has the potential to really stand out in the crowded web novel scene. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed, I will admit. The sheer number of characters introduced early on felt like a tidal wave. It took me a bit to get my bearings and start recognizing everyone, but I found myself appreciating the effort the author put...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
I Became the Narrow-Eyed Henchman of the Evil Boss
4.2
(254 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy, harem
I’ve been struggling for over a decade in this world where magic is equivalent to science. And now I’ve realized that my employer is the protagonist’s enemy.
First Impressions
Alright, buckle up, because "I Became the Narrow-Eyed Henchman of the Evil Boss" is quite a ride! It's a story that throws you headfirst into a cyberpunk-meets-magic world with a protagonist who's just trying to not let the world end. My overall impression? It's a fun, flawed, but ultimately engaging read. Initially, I was drawn in by the unique premise. A transmigrator, Orthes, stuck as the right-hand man to a "villainous" boss, Carisia, in a world that feels like a gritty blend of Warhammer 40k and Cyberpunk 2077 with a dash of magic? Sign me up! The early chapters definitely hooked me with ...
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Conclusion

Fifteen entries covers the solid Korean sci-fi options without padding with mediocre entries. If you're looking for Korean web novels with science fiction elements rather than pure fantasy or cultivation, this list focuses that search. Translation quality matters more here since technical concepts need clear explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our rankings consider multiple factors: reader ratings (40%), popularity and reading lists (25%), review quality (20%), and editorial assessment (15%). We update regularly to reflect new releases and changing reader preferences.

We update our rankings monthly to ensure they reflect the latest reader ratings and new novel releases.

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

Everyone Else is a Returnee

First Impressions

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor

First Impressions

You’ve Got The Wrong House, Villain

First Impressions

Sovereign of Judgment

First Impressions

I Became the Cute One in the Troubleshooter Squad

First Impressions

Ex Rank Supporting Role’s Replay in a Prestigious School

First Impressions