Top 17 Korean Action Novels with Cultivation in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Specialized Lists

17 Novels

Korean action novels that incorporate cultivation create an interesting hybrid. They typically keep the progression systems and status windows Korean readers expect while adopting cultivation-style power development. The result feels different from Chinese cultivation, often more gamified and with faster pacing.

What I notice is that Korean authors tend to treat cultivation as one system among several rather than the foundational philosophy it represents in Chinese novels. Characters might cultivate qi alongside managing skill trees or dungeon rankings. It's more mechanical, which works for some readers and feels shallow to others. The action focus means less meditation on dao and more actual fighting.

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1
TOP PICK
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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2
RUNNER UP
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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3
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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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4
EDITORS CHOICE
Invincible Mumu
4.0
(53 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, harem
The Blood Warrior of the Ungpae Association, who created a sea of blood wherever he went, made the world of the Forces of Evil possible. The Nine Great Sects and the Six Great Clans joined forces to fight him, but were unable to stop him.
First Impressions
"Invincible Mumu" is a fun, if somewhat repetitive, romp through a wuxia world turned on its head. The premise itself is hilarious: a muscle-bound protagonist completely oblivious to the intricacies of martial arts cultivation, relying solely on his raw strength to solve every problem. It's a comedic power fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriously, and for the most part, it succeeds in delivering lighthearted entertainment. Initially, I was hooked by the sheer absurdity of Mumu's character. He's essentially a walking, talking brick wall, completely unaware of his own strength and the chao...
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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
Top Star Lee Gun-Woo
4.2
(40 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
Although he is still young, his life was full of regrets. Lee Gun-woo regains his memories from his previous life due to a car accident.
First Impressions
"Top Star Lee Gun-Woo" promised a blend of modern entertainment and cultivation, a combination that immediately piqued my interest. After diving in, I found myself with mixed feelings, appreciating certain aspects while also acknowledging some shortcomings. The initial premise is quite engaging: a down-on-his-luck aspiring musician suddenly remembers his past life as a cultivator. This sets him on a path to reclaim his dreams, but with a unique twist. The story quickly establishes Lee Gun-Woo as incredibly handsome and talented, almost to a fault. While this initially feels like a wish-fulfill...
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#7 PICK
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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#8 PICK
The Scholar’s Reincarnation
4.3
(76 ratings)
Genre: action, shounen, wuxia
A martial artist, claiming himself to be a “mu*derer” is defeated by a su*cide attack in battle and is reborn as a first born child to a local lord. Having a fresh start, a warm family and a little sister to protect – he decides to become a better person in his new life.
First Impressions
I jumped into "The Scholar’s Reincarnation" after hearing some buzz about the manhwa adaptation, and I have to say, I wasn't disappointed. It's a solid wuxia story with a few familiar tropes, but it executes them well enough to keep you hooked. Right off the bat, the premise is intriguing: a scholar reincarnated into a world of cultivation. It's a classic setup, but the initial chapters do a good job of establishing the protagonist's personality and the world's rules. The pacing felt a little quick at first, but it soon settled into a comfortable rhythm....
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#9 PICK
Doctor’s Rebirth
4.4
(68 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, martial arts
I had been abroad to do medical volunteer work, when I was swept up in a civil war. I was killed by a rebel soldier, while taking a bullet for a patient.
First Impressions
After diving into the world of "Doctor's Rebirth," I can see why it has garnered such a dedicated following. The premise itself is intriguing: a modern-day doctor reincarnated into the body of a child within a martial arts world. It's a blend of genres that, when executed well, can be incredibly captivating. Initially, I found the story a bit slow-paced, but I quickly realized this was intentional. The author takes their time to establish the world, the characters, and the unique fusion of modern medicine and murim techniques. It's a deliberate choice that ultimately pays off, allowing for a d...
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10
#10 PICK
I Became an Outcast the Martial Arts Masters are Obsessed With
3.8
(128 ratings)
Genre: action, harem, martial arts
I became Ho Cheon-an, a second-rate warrior in the martial arts game [Murim Cheonha]. To survive, I had no choice but to give enlightenment.
First Impressions
Alright, let's dive into "I Became an Outcast the Martial Arts Masters are Obsessed With." With a title like that, I went in expecting a wild ride, and, well, it was certainly something. The premise is definitely intriguing. An outcast MC suddenly finding himself the object of affection (or perhaps obsession) from powerful martial arts masters? Sign me up! I was hoping for a fun blend of action, romance, and maybe a little bit of political intrigue. The initial chapters set the stage well, introducing the world and hinting at the MC's unique circumstances....
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Conclusion

If you're coming from Chinese cultivation novels, expect a different tone. These move faster and explain less about cultivation philosophy. If you're coming from Korean system novels, the cultivation elements add variety to the usual mechanics.

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

SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation

First Impressions

I Am This Murim’s Crazy B*tch

First Impressions

Invincible Mumu

First Impressions

The Return of The Crazy Demon

First Impressions

Top Star Lee Gun-Woo

First Impressions

Star Instructor, Master Baek

First Impressions

The Scholar’s Reincarnation

First Impressions