Slow Burn Romance Manhwa are my favorite because the payoff when they finally do get together just feels so much better. If you love the pining, the quiet glances, and those small steps toward each other before they finally get together near the end (and still manage to leave you completely satisfied), this list is for you.
I’ve organized the recommendations by pacing, starting with the ones where the romance develops a bit faster and ending with the slowest of burns at number one.
Slow Burn Romance Manhwa Overview
30. Selfish Romance
Summary: Hyeondo and Yumin are both in their 30s and recently went through painful breakups. They’re still hung up on their exes, each for their own reasons. Out of frustration and heartbreak, they make a bold decision: to fake a relationship in hopes of sparking jealousy. It’s messy and bound to backfire, yet as they keep pretending, their fake relationship starts to feel a little too real, and they become good friends in the process. The pining is great in this article, but they kiss relatively early. Selfish Romance is one of the best modern romance manhwa out there.
You should read if you:
- Don’t mind when the main characters start off with different love interests
- Enjoy romance with complex characters, different love languages, and drama that feels realistic
- Love some juicy tension between the leads. If you enjoy slow burn romances because of the little moments between the leads, this one is a must-read. It’s also my favorite modern romance manhwa at the moment. Season 2 is coming soon.
29. Villain with a crush (Completed)
Summary: When Rosa Park is saved from a collapsing building by Doryeong Han, the nation’s superpowered police hero, she falls for him instantly. Two years later, she reappears in disguise, determined to get closer to him. The problem? Her clumsiness and uncontrollable strength create mayhem wherever she goes – earning her the unexpected title of new supervillain, Blackdog. Now Doryeong is tasked with catching her. The setup sounds chaotic, but it is very funny. The tension between the main couple isn’t what makes this a good read, the comedy is. though it is still a slow burn in my book.
You should read if you:
- Love seeing strong women who actually look strong, something that’s still far too rare in Webtoons
- Don’t mind that the entire conflict could’ve been solved with a bit of honest communication, and yes, the second ML was definitely done dirty. He didn’t need to catch feelings for Rosa for the plot to work the same way.
- Enjoy reading a story that feels truly unique. This one is such a breath of fresh air and is also one of the best Romance Comedy Manhwa out there.
28. Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid (Completed)
Summary: Choa is a mermaid who dreams of experiencing a normal high school life, but there is one small problem: she can’t swim and desperately tries to teach herself. When Soo, the ace of the swim team, accidentally uncovers her secret, he offers to give her private lessons after hours at the school pool. The story is wholesome, nicely paced, and low on drama, though the romance between them develops fairly quickly.
You should check this completed Romance Manhwa out if you:
- Enjoy soothing your stressed soul with a wholesome, feel-good story
- Love it when every character is likable – and even the difficult ones eventually get their redemption
- Appreciate a romance that develops naturally and feels believable. The chemistry between the leads is spot-on
27. I Will Become the Villain’s Poison Taster
Summary: After dying in a car accident, an office worker is reborn as Giselle Rozevin, a notorious villainess destined to die by poison while on death row. But to everyone’s shock, every attempt to kill her fails – and even stranger, she finds the poisons delicious. Using this bizarre gift to her advantage, Giselle decides to help the male lead. It’s a slow burn overall, even though the couple gets together before Season 3, and the story still has a long way to go. The way the ML constantly teases her makes it an especially fun read.
Check it out if you:
- don’t mind when the Female Lead is extremely clumsy and helpless sometimes – but still kind and hilarious
- love it when the main couple tease each other constantly – their dynamic feels natural and is fun to read
- like reading a Romance Manhwa with no love triangle
26. How To Win My Husband Over
Summary: After dying in a plane crash, our FL wakes up as Rudbeckia de Borgia, a doomed villain from a novel, meant to be killed by her future husband, Iske van Omerta. Trapped in the troublesome Borgia family, she must marry her murderer. Her goal: To prove to Iske, his family, and their entire country that she poses no threat so that she can stay alive.
Check it out if you:
- love it when the characters aren’t black and white
- like when the female lead has to actually work through her trauma, instead of just shaking it off and is faced with constant challenges
- don’t mind when the male lead is pretty neglectful because he can’t communicate his feelings. If you want all these little special moments between the main characters to consider your read a slow burn, this isn’t it.
25. Marriage of Convenience (Completed)
Summary: After her husband dies in the war, Bianca de Arno finds herself cast out of his estate, only to regress in time and get a second chance at changing her fate. Once known as a selfish and unkind wife, she despised the life she was forced to live after losing everything. While the premise isn’t entirely new, the execution and pacing are outstanding. The story flows like a fairytale, with deeply satisfying character growth throughout.
You should read this if you:
- Don’t expect a female lead who’s a tactical genius rewriting the entire storyline.
- Don’t mind a 13-year age gap (she’s married off at nine, though the marriage isn’t consummated until she’s 21 in her first life; the flashbacks are brief, and he largely keeps his distance).
- Enjoy stories filled with lovable side characters – except for the obligatory crown prince who fixates on the FL for no apparent reason.
24. For Better or for Worse (Completed)
Summary: The female lead is reborn as Lady Dillion, the supposed villain of a novel, although she hardly lives up to that title. In the original story, her sister dies after marrying Marquess Cedric, which makes her resent him deeply. Determined to protect her sister this time, she marries him herself – even though she knows he’s destined to fall for the novel’s true heroine. The dynamic between the leads is one of the best parts of this story.
You should check this Romance Manhwa out if you:
- Love it when the MCs bicker and tease each other a lot. This is a great pick for a slow-burn romance, because their chemistry is really good from the start, but it takes them pretty long to accept their feelings.
- Like it when the characters have surprisingly unique traits (the stepmother, the sister, and so on)
- Don’t mind when some ridiculous misunderstandings get dragged out a little too long
23. Our Secret Alliance (Completed)
Summary: The male lead is the ultimate green flag – supportive without ever coming across as forced or weak. The female lead is equally bright and kind, always there for the people around her. What stands out most is the perfect pacing and the realistic portrayal of emotions and relationships. In short, it’s about two childhood friends who drifted apart and slowly find their way back to each other in high school.
You should check it out if you:
- Want realistic drama you can actually relate to, at least a little
- Love that butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling – this story nails emotional tension, not just between the main couple
- Appreciate unique art and a cast full of genuinely lovable, well-written characters
22. Here U Are (BL) (Completed)
Summary: Hyeonu is outgoing, talkative, and always surrounded by people, while Jaehwan is quiet and wears a constant frown. At first, they just can’t seem to get along, but as Hyeonu spends more time with him, he realizes that behind Jaehwan’s cold exterior is someone gentle and kind. Their relationship develops slowly and naturally, built on small moments of trust and understanding – though it’s not without challenges that put their connection to the test.
You should read if you:
- Love stories with great tension between the main couple. This is a great slow burn in a college setting
- Don’t mind a “we can’t be together because of a silly reason” arc
- Enjoy stories with more than one couple
21. The Crown Princess Scandal (Completed)
Summary: Hwa-yeong is deceived by her sister into entering the crown princess selection at the imperial palace. Determined to get herself disqualified, she deliberately does everything wrong – but her plan backfires spectacularly when she becomes a royal favorite instead. Her constant run-ins with Crown Prince Shin-yeong only make matters worse, as he seems oddly determined to keep her around. Now, Hwa-yeong must find a way to deal with the prince’s attention and the palace’s growing interest in her if she ever wants to make it home before the six-month mark.
Check it out if you:
- Like it when the male lead falls first.
- Love a female lead who’s funny, bold, and headstrong.
- Don’t mind when the FL is completely oblivious to the ML’s feelings – though honestly, who can blame her when he keeps calling her “goblin” and the like?
20. Romance 101 (Completed)
Summary: This story follows Bareum and her everyday life at university – which might sound ordinary, but it’s anything but. Romance 101 is a charming and genuinely fun read where the main couple starts off with small disagreements but slowly grows closer in a natural, believable way. There’s no unnecessary drama, the relationships feel real, and the male lead might just be the biggest green flag in all of manhwa. The art and color palette are beautifully distinctive too – a rare treat. Just go read it.
You should check it out if you:
- Don’t mind when the female lead starts off crushing on someone else.
- Want a light, feel-good story with minimal angst and plenty of lovable side characters.
- Love it when the main couple begins on the wrong foot – a mild, feel-good take on the enemies-to-lovers trope.
19. Spirit Fingers (Completed)
Summary: Spirit Fingers is a wonderfully sweet high school romance manhwa about a shy girl named Amy who struggles with self-confidence. One day, she joins a quirky but warm-hearted art club called the Spirit Fingers – mostly because she’s interested in a boy. Through her time there, Amy slowly learns to believe in herself and stand her ground. While the story focuses more on self-discovery than romance, that’s exactly what makes it so special. The romantic subplot is still an important part of the story and unfolds as a beautifully slow burn – even though the ML falls for her early on, she definitely makes him pine for her.
You should check it out if you:
- Love reading something completely different for a change: from the artstyle, to every single character and every situation they’re faced with
- Like when the ML is a green Flag. And our Kevin is just brilliantly assertive without being uncomfortably pushy. I love him
- Enjoy manhwa that feature more than one couple and plenty of character growth, not just for the leads. This story is incredibly wholesome, though fair warning: Kevin and Amy don’t get many romantic moments together, and whenever they do, they’re almost always interrupted – a real shame.
18. Not-Sew-Wicked Stepmom
Summary: his manhwa takes inspiration from Snow White but gives the story a refreshing twist. We still have the “evil” stepmother, Abigail; the mirror on the wall; and the mistreated daughter, Blanche. But after reincarnating, Abigail decides she no longer wants to play the villain. Instead, she becomes completely devoted to Blanche – though this time out of pure affection. Determined to protect her, Abigail confronts everyone in the castle who mistreats the girl, including her father. Gradually, both Blanche and even the king begin to warm up to her.
You should check this Royalty Manhwa out if you:
- Like it when the female lead scares everyone off with her intimidating expression.
- Love it when a former villainess slowly wins everyone’s affection and respect.
- Don’t mind a cold male lead — especially when his distant behavior actually has serious reasons behind it.
17. Your Majesty Please Spare me this time (Completed)
Summary: After being executed by the emperor, Laliette Bellua wakes up as her 12-year-old self. Determined to change her doomed fate – and her family’s – she travels to the capital to earn the trust of the future emperor, Rupert Edgar Laspe Vellelum, who is currently disguised as Princess Rapertte. With nothing but a suitcase and a bit of money, Laliette sets out to become Rapertte’s most loyal servant and prove her worth.
Check it out if you:
- Don’t mind when the ML treats the FL terribly for a large part of the story
- Like it when the FL doesn’t simply forgive and forget after her regression, but actually takes time to process what happened. It takes her over 100 chapters to start seeing him differently – she secretly despises him for a long while, even as he falls deeply for her
- Don’t mind an unnecessary step-sibling second ML who adds uncomfortable situations but not much else
16. 30 Minutes with You (Completed)
Summary: Seongeun used to walk home alone from Galaxy Academy until she met Gubong. Now they share a 30-minute walk once a week, and their friendship slowly grows. If you’re here for the romance, be prepared for a very, very slow burn (185+ chapters and still no kiss). But if wholesome friendships and school-life struggles are what you enjoy, 30 Minutes with You might be just right – though it does have the occasional bit of drama.
Check it out if you:
- Love stories that revolve around close friend groups and have a strong coming-of-age feel.
- Don’t mind when the ML is quiet and secretive – he’s still incredibly supportive in his own way.
- Enjoy seeing characters get a real chance at redemption.
15. The Villainess turns the Hourglass (Completed)
Summary: This one delivers revenge at its absolute finest. There’s romance in the mix, but it’s not the main focus and only begins to develop later on. Aria, the female lead, is relentless when it comes to reaching her goals, and it’s incredibly satisfying to watch her cunning sister finally get what’s coming to her.
Check it out if you:
- Don’t mind when the romance takes its time to unfold – the tension is there from the start, but the actual moments are few and far between.
- Love it when the female lead has a clever trick or unique ability (like the hourglass).
- Enjoy watching the antagonists get what they deserve – not through violence, but through pure, delicious humiliation.
14. My Reason to Die (Completed)
Summary: Ji-o’s dream of joining the national taekwondo team is put on hold after an injury ruins her chances just before tryouts. During this difficult time, she meets Gyeol – a mysterious boy who completely turns her world upside down. With his tough exterior but surprisingly gentle heart, Gyeol quickly draws her in, even if he does come with a few red flags.
Check it out if you:
- Love a story packed with tension. My Reason to Die delivers it perfectly. Even though things get physical early on, I’d still call it a slow burn since the leads drift apart and face plenty of challenges.
- Love it when the premise is dark and the story gets complex and even confusing at times
- Like it when the ML appears dominant at first but turns out to be deeply supportive of the FL
13. I don’t want to play Matchmaker
Summary: Normally, I’m not really into reverse harem romances, but this one is a complete exception and I would also argue that it can be considered a slow burn. It’s such a fun and well-written story that quickly made it into my all-time favorites. In the original novel, Shuryna is meant to live in her best friend Hestia’s shadow while juggling four walking red flags who all fall for her. But as the title says, she refuses to play matchmaker and decides to focus on her own goals instead. Of course, that doesn’t stop every single one of them from falling for her anyway, which only makes it more entertaining. Even though it’s set in a fantasy world, it somehow captures the same charm and emotional beats as a high school romance. Read on: Tapas.
You should read if you:
- Love reading a romance manhwa with a strong FL – not just physically strong, but someone whose presence gives strength to everyone around her. It’s beautiful to read
- Love stories that take you on an emotional roller coaster – the first seasons are laugh-out-loud funny, while season 3 will leave you in tears.
- Love it, when a Romance Story focuses on friendship first
12. Mafia Nanny
Summary: Davina is an elite nanny who lost her parents at a very young age. She’s determined to find out who was behind their murder – that’s why she chose this job. Fortunately, Gabriel Angelini is in need of a nanny. He seems like a ruthless underboss, but that’s not his true goal.
Mafia Nanny is one of the most popular romance series on Webtoon right now, and for good reason. The art is stunning, the mystery subplot unfolds slowly but effectively, and the child character adds a heartwarming touch.It’s a slow burn where the leads have to overcome quite a few obstacles, since they’re in an employer-employee relationship and their circumstances don’t allow them to be together easily.
You should read if you:
- Love reading an Action Romance Manhwa with great art
- Don’t mind reading a slow burn, where they don’t have that many genuine moments full of tension together, before the romance starts
- Love the childcare trope – even with all the action and mystery, the childcare aspect still plays an important and consistent role in the story
11. Secret Lady
Summary: Lady Rosentine Arzen was born with the forbidden ability to see ghosts – a crime punishable by death under imperial law. When she uncovers a plot to poison the royal family, she disguises herself as a wandering sorcerer to protect Prince Charteris Kartazen, who in return vows to keep her family safe if she can solve the case. Between political intrigue, hidden agendas, and her dangerous secret, Rosentine must navigate a web of deception to survive. Even if the mystery doesn’t hook you right away, the chemistry between the leads will. This one is a PERFECT slow burn.
Check it out if you:
- Want to read a story with such stunning art that every panel could be framed and hung on your wall.
- Love intricate political intrigue that’s explored in depth – though that means the pacing can be quite slow.
- Don’t mind frequent flashbacks. They’re important to the story, but if you read it weekly, they can make the pacing feel a bit long-winded.
10. Villain’s are Destined to Die
Summary: After playing an otome game, the female lead suddenly finds herself trapped inside it as the villainess, Penelope Eckhart. The catch? She’s stuck on hard mode, where even the smallest mistake could lead to her death. Her only hope for survival is the affection bar floating above each of the male love interests, guiding her every move.
- Don’t mind when the FL is mistreated by nearly everyone in the beginning
- Love historical romance manhwa with breathtaking, detailed artwork
- Enjoy stories where it’s uncertain who the real ML is – it has a reverse harem setup but never feels like one
9. When Jasy Whistles (Completed)
Summary: Long ago, people believed that Paraguay’s forests were inhabited by deities and mythical creatures. Hela, who grew up on the outskirts of modern-day Asunción, always thought those were just old folktales. But when her best friend mysteriously disappears – rumored to have been taken by the legendary Jasy Jatere – Hela learns that the myths she once ignored might be far more real and dangerous than she ever imagined.
Check it out if you:
- Love a slow burn where almost every characters gets a satisfying ending
- Love a unique plot packed with twists and surprises
- Don’t mind betrayal and heavy doses of angst along the way
8. Something about Us (Completed)
Summary: Han Woojin and Doh Gahoyung have always been best friends – so close that everyone assumes they’re secretly dating. For them, romance was never even a thought… until Woojin returns from military service, and something between them starts to shift.
Check out my review if you want to know more about this Manhwa: Something About Us Review.
You should read this childhood friends to lovers Manhwa if you:
- Enjoy a manhwa with steady pacing and a calm, grounded storytelling style
- Love seeing best friends slowly realize their feelings and fall for each other
- Appreciate stories that focus on emotions and character growth rather than over-the-top drama
7. Your Smile is a Trap
Summary: Former idol trainee Kiyu was once part of a wildly popular band, though fame was never something he truly wanted. After leaving the entertainment world behind, he tries to start fresh as an ordinary high school student. To stay under the radar, he hides his striking looks behind a pair of glasses, but it doesn’t take long for people to notice him anyway. All Kiyu really wants is a quiet, normal life and a few real friends. His first goal? Getting closer to his neighbor Lily, a girl with a permanent scowl who keeps everyone at arm’s length. Read on: Webtoons.
You should read if you:
- Don’t mind a slow burn filled with misunderstandings and bad communication early
- Enjoy stories where male lead is shy, unsure of himself and blushes a lot
- Love when a story explores how easily people misjudge others based on appearances
6. My In-Laws are Obsessed with me
Summary: Pereshati Jahardt is betrayed by both her stepfamily and her lover, which ultimately leads to her death. But instead of staying dead, she wakes up in the past, right before it all happens. To buy herself some time and figure out her next move, she proposes a contract marriage to the infamous Grand Duke Therdeo Lapileon. What she doesn’t expect is to uncover a dark family secret along the way. This historical romance manhwa shines through its natural pacing, beautiful storytelling, and how well it portrays the characters’ emotions.
Check it out if you:
- Like reading a story where almost every character that gets introduced has depth
- Love when a manhwa takes the time to explore emotions and trauma instead of glossing over them
- Don’t mind when the male lead seems pretty cold and is not the best at communicating – also the romance is very very slow, but the payoff is great
5. I shall master this family
Summary: After her grandfather’s death, the once-great Lombardi family collapses under the greed and incompetence of Firentia’s cousins. Powerless to stop it, she drowns her sorrow in alcohol – until a carriage accident sends her back to her seven-year-old self. This time, Firentia is determined to change everything and become the head of the family to restore its former glory. That said, it does get a little repetitive at times since almost every one of her plans goes off without a hitch.
You should check this Slow Burn Romance out if you:
- Like watching adults constantly get thrown off by a clever little girl
- Love a royalty manhwa featuring one of the most wholesome and lovable dads ever written
- Don’t mind an extremely slow-burn romance – to the point where it’s better to read it for the political intrigue than the love story itself
4. Trapped (Completed)
Summary: At church, Chae-a Han and Yunsu Park look like model angels, but appearances can be deceiving. Chae-a is an ex-con with a sharp tongue, and Yunsu is a vampire hiding in plain sight. When he blackmails her for a murder she didn’t commit, Chae-a scrambles to find a way out, only to flip the situation entirely and take control of his life instead. What follows is a dangerous, addictive game of power and obsession that blurs the line between predator and prey. It’s a very slow burn.
Check it out if you:
- Like the enemies-to-lovers trope
- Don’t mind a very heavy read. If you are in the mood for something lighthearted, this isn’t it
- Love reading a story with good tension between the protagonists
3. After School Lessons for Unripe Apples
Summary: Mi-ae and Cheol have known each other since childhood, back when their families used to vacation together. After years apart, fate reunites them as neighbors. Now that they attend the same school, Mi-ae is determined to rekindle their friendship at all costs. But with his nickname being “Lucifer,” winning him over won’t be easy.
You should read this high school Romance Manhwa if you:
- Love a good slice-of-life story – at this point (150+ chapters), it’s barely even a romance, despite the leads already sharing one very awkward kiss. It’s first and foremost about teenage friendships and everyday struggles, but a very delicious slow burn
- Don’t mind constant yelling – some chapters feel like they do nothing but scream at each other
- Appreciate when an author (in this case, Soonkki from Cheese in the Trap) really takes their time. The pacing, flashbacks, shifting perspectives, and natural dialogue make the story feel incredibly real
2. Purple Hyacinth
Summary: Our female lead, Lauren, has a rare ability: she can detect lies, which makes her an exceptional police officer. Driven by the need to uncover the truth behind a tragedy that claimed the lives of those dearest to her, she crosses paths with Kieran, a skilled assassin with his own secrets. When their worlds collide, Lauren is forced to make a difficult choice. Purple Hyacinth has been on Hiatus for a long time, but is bound to come back with season 3.
You should read if you:
- Are not looking only for Romance. There is good tension and an established second couple, but this is a mystery Drama first and foremost
- Love some incredibly written plot twists
- Like the enemies to lovers trope
1. Caught by the villain
Summary: Eunha, a fencing prodigy, suddenly wakes up in the body of Selena Evan, the daughter of a renowned swordsman and a minor character fated to die by Prince Ignus’s hand. When her twin brother runs away to avoid conscription, she takes his place to protect her family. Disguised as “Sir Celestine,” her exceptional swordsmanship draws Ignus’s attention, putting her secret and her life in danger.
Check it out if you:
- Don’t mind the slowest and most frustrating of burns. It is on the buttom of this list and if you want to torture yourself, because you like reading only the part before they get together, this is for you.
- Don’t mind misunderstandings at every corner
- Like reading a good cross-dressing story with a nice flow but a very annoying second ML
Slow Burn Romance Manhwa Recommendations – a table to help you choose
| if you want… | read… |
|---|---|
| …a historical slow burn Romance Manhwa | My In-laws are obsessed with me, Caught by the villain, I shall master this family, How To Win My Husband Over, I Will Become the Villain’s Poison Taster |
| …an enemies-to-lovers slow burn | My Reason to Die, Purple Hyacinth, Trapped, Caught by the villain, Villain with a crush |
| …pure wholesomeness | 30 Minutes with you, Our Secret Alliance, Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid |
| …a green flag ML | Spirit Fingers, Romance 101, Our Secret Alliance, Seflish Romance, Your Smile is a Trap |
| …childhood friends to lovers slow burn | Something about us, After School Lessons for Unripe Apples |
