Top 15 Underrated Korean Adventure Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

15 Novels

Underrated doesn't mean bad. These korean adventure have quality that exceeds their readership numbers. Sometimes that's timing. Sometimes it's marketing. Sometimes readers just haven't found them yet.

I've looked for entries that deserve more attention based on actual quality rather than popularity metrics.

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
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Turning
4.8
(869 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Yuder was a commoner Omega who rose to the top with his ability. When he woke up again after being falsely accused and executed, he was back 11 years ago before everything began.
First Impressions
"Turning" is a web novel that has completely captivated me. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and a slow-burn romance that's worth the wait, it's easy to see why it boasts such a high rating. This isn't a quick read, but it's a deeply rewarding one. Initially, the sheer length of "Turning" was daunting. Usually, I prefer shorter stories, but something about the premise intrigued me. From the very first chapter, I was drawn into the world and the complex dynamic between Yuder and Kishiar. It's a story that requires patience, but it quickly becomes clear that it's going to be a...
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Completed
4
EDITORS CHOICE
Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work
4.8
(706 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
NOW HIRING — URGENT — Ghost Story Specialist Corporation Daydream Inc. (Ltd.
First Impressions
Okay, let's dive into "Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work." This web novel has been quite the ride, blending horror, comedy, and a healthy dose of office satire. I went in expecting a spooky adventure, and I definitely got that, but it was the unique blend of genres and the intriguing protagonist that really hooked me. Initially, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. The premise seemed interesting enough – a guy gets thrown into ghost stories but still has to deal with the daily grind. It felt a bit like a supernatural SCP Foundation meets Dilbert, which is a weird combo, but it...
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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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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6
#6 PICK
Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint
4.5
(484 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I, a mere con artist, was unjustly imprisoned in Tantalus, the Abyssal Prison meant for the most nefarious of criminals, where I met a regressor. But when I used my ability to read her mind, I found out that I was fated to die in a year… and that the world would end 10 years later.
First Impressions
"Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint" is a web novel that really grabbed my attention. It's a unique blend of genres, and the premise hooked me from the start: a protagonist with mind-reading abilities navigating a dystopian world and trying to avert a grim future. While it might not be for everyone, it offers a refreshing take on familiar tropes. I was initially drawn in by the unique title and the promise of a protagonist with mind-reading powers. The early chapters set the stage well, introducing the main character and the harsh reality of his situation – unjustly imprisoned in a hellish ab...
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7
#7 PICK
Surviving the Game as a Barbarian
4.5
(421 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I couldn’t even clear the 2D version, now to clear the game in reality? Maybe I’ll have to live here for the rest of my life.
First Impressions
"Surviving the Game as a Barbarian" is a web novel that grabbed my attention with its unique take on the isekai genre. Instead of the typical overpowered protagonist, we get a modern-thinking man reincarnated as a barbarian in a harsh game world. I found myself quickly drawn into the story, eager to see how he'd navigate this brutal new reality. The initial chapters hooked me with their refreshing approach. The MC isn't dropped into a pre-determined plot; he's simply a barbarian trying to survive. This freedom from a rigid storyline allows for a more organic and engaging narrative. The world-b...
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8
#8 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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Completed
9
#9 PICK
If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die
4.8
(282 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I suddenly found myself dropped into a fantasy kingdom story. But what’s the status of my scenario importance?
First Impressions
"If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die" is a wild ride that I'm so glad I decided to jump on. With a near-perfect rating and a sprawling storyline, I was intrigued, and after diving in, I can definitely see why it's so beloved. It's a unique blend of genres, and the execution is what really makes it shine. Initially, the title and summary made me think this would be another run-of-the-mill transmigration story. You know, the kind where the protagonist just clings to the main character for survival. But boy, was I wrong! From the get-go, the author throws you into a world brimming ...
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Conclusion

Underrated picks are gambles on overlooked quality. I think these deserve more readers, but tastes vary. Worth exploring if mainstream recommendations feel exhausted.

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

T*ash of the Count’s Family

First Impressions

Ending Maker

First Impressions

Turning

First Impressions

Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

First Impressions

Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

Surviving the Game as a Barbarian

First Impressions