Top 19 Underrated Korean Adventure Novels in 2026

2026 Edition

Updated January 27, 2026

Editor's Picks

19 Novels

Korean adventure produces more quality than gets mainstream attention. These underrated entries have good ratings from engaged readers without the visibility that manhwa adaptations provide. The genre's conventions work well even in novels that haven't broken out.

You'll find the usual elements: dungeon exploration, tower climbing, system-assisted progression. What makes these underrated is visibility rather than execution. Some had translation gaps, some launched at crowded times. For readers who've read the obvious recommendations and want more, this list offers alternatives that earned their ratings.

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
I Delayed My Death Because Of a Will
4.4
(348 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
Ten years ago, Yoon Seo saved the world under the name Seo Chaeyoon, but now lives as an anonymous hunter. He plans to die immediately after fulfilling all the last wishes of his deceased comrades, but these wishes, like “3 million squats,” “catching ten 9-kg sea breams,” and “baking 10,000 choc...
First Impressions
I Delayed My Death Because Of a Will immediately grabbed me with its intriguing premise: a protagonist delaying his death due to a series of bizarre wills left by his fallen comrades. The blend of action, fantasy, and psychological elements promised a complex and emotionally resonant story. The setting, with its unique ranking system and color-coded danger zones, felt fresh and well-developed, drawing me into its world. The characters truly shine in this novel. The male lead, Kwon Jihan, is a refreshing departure from the typical arrogant S-class hunter. His caring nature and genuine affection...
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Completed
6
#6 PICK
The Regressor and the Blind Saint
4.5
(414 ratings)
Genre: action, adult, adventure
“In this life, I will live for you. ” Vera, who had lived as a villain all his life, came to regret it upon meeting Renee, who sacrificed everything at the end of hers.
First Impressions
"The Regressor and the Blind Saint" is a novel that caught my eye with its intriguing premise: a ruthless man finds redemption through the kindness of a blind saintess and gets a second chance to dedicate his life to her. After diving in, I found a story with a lot of heart, but also a few aspects that might not appeal to everyone. Initially, I was hooked. The idea of a "sigma male" (as some readers jokingly put it) becoming a devoted protector is definitely appealing. The early chapters do a great job setting up the dynamic between Vera, the regressor, and Renee, the saintess. The potential f...
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7
#7 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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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
Sword Pilgrim
4.5
(435 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, drama
Callius von Jervain. A character who dies no matter what he does.
First Impressions
"Sword Pilgrim" has been quite the ride, and after diving deep into it, I've got some thoughts to share. It's a novel that clearly evokes strong reactions, both positive and negative, and I can definitely see why. Initially, I was drawn in by the premise – a writer transmigrated into his own game world. That's a hook that always gets me. The early chapters were intriguing, setting up a dark, medieval-esque world with a unique religious system involving turning the dead into weapons. I was ready for a grimdark adventure, and for a while, it delivered....
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Completed
10
#10 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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Completed
11
#11 PICK
I Became the Academy’s Pink Airhead
4.4
(240 ratings)
Genre: action, adventure, comedy
A city of academies where high school girls converse with swords and spears in hand. A comedy character who loves macarons and a cup of tea.
First Impressions
"I Became the Academy’s Pink Airhead" is a wild ride, no doubt about it. This novel throws you headfirst into Academy City, where all-girls schools reign supreme and Ether is the name of the game. A gender-bent protagonist, a dash of martial arts, and a whole lot of chaotic energy? Sign me up! Initially, I was a bit disoriented. The story jumps ahead after a prologue showing a major battle. We meet Clara, our MC, a pink-haired "airhead" who seems to have it all figured out, even if she acts like she doesn't. I quickly realized that this disorientation is intentional, mirroring Clara's own adju...
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Conclusion

Underrated adventure often means novels without manhwa adaptations driving interest. The entries here found their audience through reader communities rather than visual media exposure. If popular lists are running thin, try these.

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

I Delayed My Death Because Of a Will

First Impressions

The Regressor and the Blind Saint

First Impressions

Omniscient First-Person’s Viewpoint

First Impressions

I Became the Cute One in the Troubleshooter Squad

First Impressions

Sword Pilgrim

First Impressions