Top 19 Hidden Gem Korean Fantasy Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

19 Novels

Underrated doesn't mean bad. These korean fantasy 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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2
RUNNER UP
Dungeon Defense
4.5
(3.0K ratings)
Genre: action, drama, ecchi
Do you know how this world ends? Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords.
First Impressions
Dungeon Defense is a web novel that certainly sparked a lot of strong opinions, and after diving in, I can see why. It's a story about a protagonist who transmigrates into a game he's beaten, becoming the weakest demon lord, Dantalian. He has to use his wits and cunning to survive and rise in a world filled with scheming nobles and powerful enemies. Initially, I was hooked by the premise. The idea of an intelligent, manipulative main character in a fantasy setting is always appealing. The first volume seemed to set up a fascinating world of political intrigue and strategic battles, and I found...
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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
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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Completed
6
#6 PICK
I Have No Dreams, I Just Want To Play
4.7
(10 ratings)
Genre: adventure, fantasy, mature
“I have no dreams, I just want to play. ” I live by this motto with my parents’ financial support, until one day.
First Impressions
"I Have No Dreams, I Just Want To Play" promised a transported-to-another-world adventure with a harem-esque twist, and after diving in, I found it delivered on that promise, albeit with a few bumps along the way. It's a novel that's easy to get lost in, but perhaps not without a few frustrated sighs. The initial arcs grabbed my attention immediately. The premise of a male protagonist navigating a new, fantastical world is always appealing, and the hints of romance with multiple love interests definitely piqued my curiosity. The cover art certainly reflects the 'harem-y' nature of the story, s...
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Completed
7
#7 PICK
The Crazy Gun-Shooting Count
4.7
(57 ratings)
Genre: action, fantasy
Special Forces agent K, who was betrayed by his colleagues while slaying monsters, opens his eyes to find himself as Arthur Julius, the scoundrel of a count from another world. “I want to live peacefully in this life.
First Impressions
"The Crazy Gun-Shooting Count" caught my attention with its intriguing title, and I'm glad I decided to dive in. The premise alone – a transmigrated soul in a world of swords and magic, armed with knowledge of firearms – is enough to pique interest, but the execution is what really hooked me. From the get-go, the story establishes a solid foundation. The initial chapters are paced remarkably well, drawing you into the protagonist's new reality and the challenges he faces. There's a certain charm in seeing how he navigates a world vastly different from his own, especially when modern ingenuity ...
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Completed
8
#8 PICK
A Regressor’s Bucket List
4.7
(133 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, fantasy
『Hunt Demon King 』 The regressor decided to hunt the Demon King.
First Impressions
"A Regressor's Bucket List" had me hooked from the premise alone. The idea of a protagonist armed with past knowledge trying to make the most of a second chance is always appealing, and the blend of action, adventure, and fantasy elements promised a thrilling ride. The game-like aspects sprinkled throughout added another layer of intrigue. The world-building is captivating, and the integration of magical space and supernatural elements feels organic. I particularly enjoyed the author's ability to create a sense of mystery, constantly leaving me eager to uncover the secrets lurking beneath the ...
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9
#9 PICK
I’m Searching for the Villainous Dad’s Memories!
4.7
(35 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
The Worst Troublemaker in History, a Mad Dog. Or, perhaps, a cursed soul.
First Impressions
"I’m Searching for the Villainous Dad’s Memories!" immediately caught my attention with its intriguing title and promising premise. As someone who enjoys a good childcare fantasy, I dove in with high hopes, and for the most part, I wasn't disappointed. This novel delivers heartwarming family dynamics and a healthy dose of fantasy elements that kept me hooked. The initial chapters are a delightful introduction to Lirin and her amnesiac father, Duke Kalek. Their interactions are incredibly sweet and often humorous, painting a picture of a blossoming father-daughter bond that's hard not to love. ...
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10
#10 PICK
The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times
5.0
(2 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
The illegitimate child despised by the ducal family, a shut-in who never left his room, a gloomy good-for-nothing student. I had possessed a background character who was fated to die before the scenario even began.
First Impressions
"The Academy’s Doomed Young Lord Dies Ten Thousand Times" certainly grabs your attention with its title! The premise of a time-looping protagonist stuck in a deadly academy is instantly intriguing. I went in expecting a dark, action-packed fantasy, and the initial chapters definitely delivered on that promise. The mystery surrounding the "doomed" aspect kept me hooked, eager to uncover the secrets behind the protagonist's repeated deaths. The core concept of the time loop is executed pretty well. I appreciate how the author uses each loop to slowly unravel the mysteries of the academy and the ...
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11
#11 PICK
The Fanatics Were Defeated by the Baby Pope, So Don’t Worry!
5.0
(6 ratings)
Genre: comedy, drama, fantasy
I woke up inside a dystopian game… A world with no dreams, no hope, and definitely no mercy. My assigned mission?
First Impressions
I dove into "The Fanatics Were Defeated by the Baby Pope, So Don’t Worry!" with high hopes, drawn in by the intriguing title and the promise of comedy, drama, and fantasy all rolled into one. The premise alone – age regression meets a world on the brink of apocalypse – had me eager to see how it would all play out. My initial reaction was definitely positive. The concept of a baby pope battling fanatics is inherently humorous, and I found myself chuckling at the absurdity of it all. The early chapters did a good job of setting the stage and introducing the main characters, particularly the cut...
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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

Dungeon Defense

First Impressions

Turning

First Impressions

Got Dropped into a Ghost Story, Still Gotta Work

First Impressions

If You Don’t Become the Main Character, You’ll Die

First Impressions

I Have No Dreams, I Just Want To Play

First Impressions

The Crazy Gun-Shooting Count

First Impressions

A Regressor’s Bucket List

First Impressions

I’m Searching for the Villainous Dad’s Memories!

First Impressions