Top 17 Highest Rated Korean Martial arts Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Korean martial arts novels often feature murim (martial world) settings with sects, clans, and established power hierarchies. The approach differs from Chinese wuxia through Korean cultural influences and sometimes incorporation of modern Korean webnovel elements like regression or systems into the martial setting.

The 4+ rating filter ensures quality in this category. Korean martial arts has produced some well-regarded titles that blend traditional murim elements with innovative twists. High ratings suggest these novels handle the martial arts aspects satisfyingly while offering something distinct from Chinese equivalents.

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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Completed
4
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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Completed
5
EDITORS CHOICE
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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6
#6 PICK
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
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
I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch
4.2
(388 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I became a female character in a wuxia game I’ve played for the first time.
First Impressions
"I Am This Murim's Crazy Btch" is a wild ride, no doubt about it. This novel throws you headfirst into a world of martial arts, gender-bending, and laugh-out-loud moments. While it's not without its flaws, I found myself surprisingly entertained by the MC's chaotic journey. The premise is definitely attention-grabbing. A modern-day salaryman transmigrates into a Murim game world as the busty, overpowered character he created? Sign me up! I was immediately intrigued by the blend of modern sensibilities colliding with ancient martial arts traditions. The initial chapters set a fast pace, introdu...
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Completed
9
#9 PICK
Surviving in a Romance Fantasy Novel
4.1
(208 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
I found myself drifting into an Eastern-style romance fantasy novel that I didn’t even finish reading. And to make things worse, I became the younger brother of the female protagonist who didn’t even exist in the original story.
First Impressions
"Surviving in a Romance Fantasy Novel" promised a fun blend of genres, and after diving in, I found it delivered on that promise, though with a few caveats. It's a story where comedy and drama intertwine, set against a backdrop of ancient empires and hidden abilities. The protagonist's struggle to avoid the affections of several powerful women is a central conflict, and the results are often hilarious. I was immediately drawn in by the premise: a transmigrated protagonist trying to navigate a dangerous romance fantasy world. The initial chapters are strong, focusing on the harem dynamics and t...
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10
#10 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 novels provide a different flavor than Chinese wuxia while working with similar fundamental concepts. These 17 earned high ratings from readers who enjoyed the combat and power progression elements. If you want martial arts with Korean sensibilities, this list offers reliable options.

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

The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor

First Impressions

SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

First Impressions

Sovereign of Judgment

First Impressions

Childhood Friend of the Zenith

First Impressions

Return of Mount Hua Sect

First Impressions

Mesugaki Tank Enters The Academy

First Impressions

I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

First Impressions