High school romance Manhwa are the perfect pick-me-up after a long day. These 20 recommendations deliver everything you’d want from the genre – heartfelt friendships, a cozy slice-of-life atmosphere, and the sweetness of first love. And to make it even easier, you’ll find a chart at the end to help you pick the ones that resonate most with you. The only historical romance Manhwa on this list is number 1.
20. Antistalker (Completed)
Summary: “She is a hunter, he is a target. He is her stalker, she is his target” – don’t ask me why but the summary on WEBTOONS is pretty… unusual. Let me tell you: Antistalker is a fun comic with a strong female lead and a very understanding and nice male lead. Although they could solve many issues by talking it still has enjoyable moments with some unexpected plot twists.
You should read this High School Romance Manhwa if you:
- Love it when the main characters fight and bicker a lot
- Don’t mind an unnecessary love triangle. It’s not done very well – if you want to read a Romance Manhwa with no love triangle, check out my list
- Love a fierce female lead who can be violent and badass
19. Operation True Love
Summary: Operation True Love has been one of the most popular romance manhwa out there. It’s about a girl who finds a mysterious phone in her locker that shows people’s “love points” – basically, how many others will fall for them. Unfortunately, our FL Su-ae has zero points, even though she already has a boyfriend. Determined to change that, she tries to make him jealous using Eunhyeok, our ML. If you’re wondering why it’s ranked so low on this list: I’m honestly worried about how the plot will unfold.
You should read if you:
- Don’t mind a love triangle where the second ML gets almost as many heart-fluttering moments with the FL. It’s tragic.
- Don’t mind when major plot points get completely tossed aside: love points and a threatening system? Solved with bad writing. Ra-im, the stepsister trying to ruin the FL’s life? Never mentioned again.
- Don’t mind a ten-year time skip right after they finally get together. One of the biggest green flag MLs apparently decided to make one phone call and then vanish. That’s not what I call consistent characterization.
18. 30 Minutes with You (Completed)
Summary: Seongeun used to make her way home from Galaxy Academy all by herself — until Gubong started joining her. Now, they share a 30-minute walk every week, during which their quiet friendship gradually deepens. If you’re mainly here for romance, brace yourself for an extremely slow burn (over 185 chapters and still no kiss). But if you love wholesome friendships, everyday moments, and the ups and downs of high school life, 30 Minutes with You is a perfect pick.
Check it out if you:
- Love stories with friend groups and a coming-of-age vibe
- Don’t mind when the ML is extremely shy and secretive – he is still very supportive though
- Enjoy it when a character gets the chance to redeem themselves
17. Wanna be Friends?
Summary: Sienna has a hard time making friends but is determined to change that. Her first “target” is Ian, the handsome ice prince of the school. It might sound cliché, but it’s actually a wholesome high school romance with refreshingly healthy communication (even if it’s not always perfect) – and a deaf male lead. Wanna Be Friends captures the high school vibe perfectly, with friendship, silly misunderstandings (that thankfully get resolved quickly), and the occasional fight between friends.
You should read if you:
- Like stories where the main characters have a disability
- Love when the main couple starts out as friends
- Don’t mind the “what is this feeling”-trope
16. Press Play Sami
Summary: Sami grew up surrounded by comfort, but after losing her parents, she chooses to stand on her own – working small part-time jobs just to make ends meet. At school she catches the attention of the two most popular boys: Chan and Pyojin. After a hilarious misunderstanding, they get closer and closer.
You should read if you:
- Love reading a high school romance with a strong FL. She is not shy at all
- Don’t mind a love triangle and many guys falling for the FL (it is not a reverse harm though. At least it doesn’t feel like one)
- Like when the FL has to hide her identity in her new school
15. The Dawn to Come (Completed)
Summary: Junyeong’s life is anything but easy. With an abusive mother and no friends at school, she retreats from the world, finding comfort in an abandoned house where she can study undisturbed. Her peaceful escape, however, is interrupted when Beomjin Kwon – a rumored troublemaker – stumbles upon the same hideout. As they begin to share the space, a quiet bond starts to form between them, slowly bringing warmth into their isolated lives.
You should read if you:
- Don’t mind when the romance starts after a timeskip. That also means The Dawn to Come fits the high school setting only at the start
- Like when the FL is really strong and can stand up for herself
- Don’t mind triggering scenes, like child abuse, mental disorders, and so on
14. Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid (Completed) – high school romance Manhwa with a bit of fantasy
Summary: Choa is a mermaid who longs for an ordinary high school life – with one small problem: she can’t swim. When Soo, the school’s swimming ace, accidentally uncovers her secret, he offers to give her private lessons at the pool each night. What follows is a wholesome romance Manhwa, gently paced story with just the right amount of emotion – light on drama, yet not without its challenges for the two leads.
You should check this out if you:
- Like calming your stressed soul with wholesomeness and a fun story
- Love it when all the characters are likable (and even the unlikable ones get redeemed)
- Like it when the relationship unfolds naturally and feels convincing. They have great chemistry
13. My Reason to Die (Completed)
Summary: Ji-o’s dream of making the national taekwondo team is put on hold after an untimely injury just before the tryouts. During this difficult period, she meets Gyeol — a mysterious boy who completely shakes up her world. With his tough exterior but genuinely kind heart, Gyeol draws her in despite all the warning signs that come with him.
Check it out if you:
- Love stories packed with tension – My Reason to Die delivers it perfectly, with a smooth and gripping flow
- Enjoy darker plots that grow increasingly complex and, at times, even a little disorienting
- Like it when the ML seems dominant at first but ultimately proves to be deeply caring and supportive toward the FL
12. Boyfriend’s Rule (Completed)
Summary: Jiun’s love life takes an awkward turn when her crush, Jae-i, admits he likes someone else. To make things worse, he somehow assumes Jiun has feelings for his cold and intimidating best friend, Seohyeon — and decides to play matchmaker. What begins as a harmless misunderstanding soon turns into real chemistry between Jiun and Seohyeon. It’s a charming and enjoyable story, though fair warning: once the main couple gets together, the spotlight gradually shifts to Jae-i and his own love story.
You should read if you:
- Like a very funny story that finds unexpected ways to be romantic
- Don’t mind when the whole plot revolves around one big misunderstanding between the main couple
- Don’t mind when the focus shifts after the first couple gets together, so you don’t really get to enjoy their lovey-dovey moments
11. Involuntary Romance (BL)
Summary: Baekya and Jichan have always been inseparable. But when Jichan sets his sights on Hyeon – the most popular boy in school – he’s instantly smitten. Wanting to help, he convinces Baekya to befriend Hyeon and play matchmaker. Baekya reluctantly agrees… until Hyeon flips the script and says: “You’re making it pretty obvious. I know you like me.” From there, things quickly get complicated.
Check it out if you:
- Like it when everyone communicates openly
- Love stories with wholesome friendships
- Need a pick-me-up after a long day
10. Your Smile is a Trap
Summary: Former idol trainee Kiyu was once part of a hugely successful band – though fame was never really his choice. Tired of the spotlight, he decides to leave that life behind and live as an ordinary high school student. To blend in, he hides his striking looks behind a pair of glasses, but his cover doesn’t last long. All Kiyu wants now is a quiet life and a few genuine friends. His first “target” is his neighbor Lily – a girl with a constant scowl who keeps everyone at a distance. Still, Kiyu is determined to get closer to her. Read it on Webtoons. Read here: Webtoons.
You should read if you:
- Don’t mind when the story moves at a slower pace
- Like it when the female lead is the cold, confident one and the male lead is shy and insecure
- Love when a story challenges how people judge each other by appearances
9. My fake Crush
Summary: Rai and her childhood friend Dogyeong have always been inseparable – so much so that he treats her more like a little sister than a potential love interest. The catch? Rai’s been secretly in love with him for years. To cover up her feelings, she pretends to be a die-hard fan of the K-pop group DIMPLE, especially of her “ultimate bias,” Neulchan. But when Neulchan unexpectedly transfers to her school, everything spirals into hilarious chaos. This underrated gem nails the childhood friends-to-lovers trope while adding a fun, lighthearted twist.
You should read if you:
- Love it when the second male lead acts more like a wingman than a love rival
- Enjoy it when the FL is completely chaotic in her attempts to hide her secret
- Don’t mind a main lead who’s adorably (and sometimes frustratingly) dense
8. Our Walk Home (BL)
Summary: Our Walk Home follows two of the smartest and most popular students from rival schools – Akihiko Shiraishi and Harumi Kurose. Both schools are fiercely competitive, and every student seems determined to hate the other side. When Akihiko and Harumi meet on their walk home, they form a secret friendship they have to keep hidden. But before you start reading: this one is often on hiatus, so you might want to wait a little before checking it out.
You should read if you:
- Love when the main characters are complete opposites but still have amazing chemistry
- Like when a high school manhwa also explores the stressful side of school life and how unrealistic expectations can affect students
- Love a perfect balance between humor and heavier themes – and appreciate dialogue that feels natural and relatable
7. After School Lessons for Unripe Apples
Summary: Mi-ae and Cheol have known each other since they were very young, as their families used to go on vacations together. After spending years apart, they reunite as neighbors. Now attending the same school, Mi-ae is determined to befriend Cheol at all costs. But with his nickname being “Lucifer,” that’s not going to be easy.
You should read 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
- 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
6. Oh Holy (Completed)
Summary: Jamie Oh, a reserved and quiet high school student, is content with his unique ability to communicate with ghosts, his only friends. However, his life, which is far from ordinary due to his paranormal connections, takes a surprising twist when he catches the attention of the school’s most popular girl.
Check it out if you:
- Love it when a romance manhwa actually makes you laugh. Oh Holy is also one of the few Romance Manhwa with a male MC
- Like reading a manhwa with a truly unique story
- Don’t mind feeling like you’re in a fever dream every now and then
5. Seasons of Blossom (Completed)
Summary: Seasons of Blossom is divided into several arcs, each focusing on different characters. At first, I struggled with it because I was so invested in the first couple, but the storytelling quickly won me over. Despite being set in high school, it often feels surprisingly mature, with moments that hit hard. What starts as a light love triangle and a fake-dating plot –something we’ve seen countless times – gradually turns into something much heavier and more emotional.
You should read if you:
- Love it when the male lead is very direct and comes across as cold, while the female lead is liked by everyone but lets herself be vulnerable with him (at least in the first love story)
- Like Romance Webtoons that highlight warm, wholesome friendships
- Don’t mind reading a Romance story with heavy themes and some truly sad moments
4. Ooh La La (Completed)
Summary: Ooh La La is such a hidden gem. The couple comes together in the most unexpected way in the very first chapter, and from then on you just follow their everyday lives as lovable chaos-makers. He’s a college student and she’s still in high school, but the story balances it surprisingly well.
You should check it out if you:
- Are open-minded when it comes to art. It’s not your typical art style
- Like a modern romance manhwa with a slice-of-life feel. There’s no consistent story or central problem, just chaotic moments from their everyday life
- Love when the friendship of the main couple is more important than the romance or tension. This is one the most wholesome romance manhwa you can read
3. Romance 101 (Completed)
Summary: This story follows Bareum and her everyday life at school, which might sound mundane, but it’s anything but. Romance 101 is a fun, heartwarming read where the main couple starts off at odds but slowly grows closer in a natural, believable way. There’s no over-the-top drama, the relationships feel refreshingly real, and the male lead? Quite possibly the biggest green flag in all of manhwa. Add in the unique art style and color palette, and you’ve got a true gem worth reading.
You should check it out if you:
- Don’t mind when the girl has a crush on another guy at first
- Want a fun read with minimal angst and many lovable side characters
- Love it when the main couple starts on the wrong foot
2. Our Secret Alliance (Completed)
Summary: The male lead is the ultimate green flag – supportive without ever feeling forced or weak. The female lead is just as bright and kind, always helping those around her. What I love most is the perfect pacing and the realistic take on feelings and relationships. In short: it’s about two childhood friends who drifted apart and slowly grow close again in high school.
You should check it out if you:
- Want realistic, relatable drama that actually feels grounded. It’s a gread modern Romance Manhwa
- Love that fluttery, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling. This story nails emotional tension, not just between the main couple
- Appreciate distinctive art and a cast full of genuinely lovable, well-written characters
1. I Don’t Want To Play Matchmaker
Summary: Normally, I’m not a huge fan of reverse harem romances – but this one is a complete exception. It’s such a fun, well-written story that quickly earned a spot among my all-time favorites. In the original novel, Shuryna is destined to live in her best friend Hestia’s shadow while dealing with four massive red flags who all fall for her. But as the title suggests, she refuses to play matchmaker and focuses on her own future instead. Naturally, every single one of those guys still ends up falling for her, which makes it all the more entertaining. Despite being set in a fantasy world, it somehow captures that perfect high school romance energy. 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
- Like when a story gives you all the feels. The first seasons are absolutely hilarious and will make you laugh out loud, while season 3 will have you in tears
- Love it, when a Romance Story focuses on friendship first
High School Romance Manhwa – a chart to help you find the best recommendations for you
| if you want.. | read… |
|---|---|
| …a high school romance with fantasy | Antistalker, I don’t want to play Matchmaker, Operation true love, Swimming lessons for a mermaid, Oh Holy |
| …a bit more Drama | My Reason to Die, The Dawn to Come, Press Play Sami, Seasons of Blossom, Our Walk Home |
| …pure wholesomeness | 30 Minutes with you, Our Secret Alliance, Ooh Lala, Involuntary Romance |
| …to read a good romance comedy Manhwa | Romance 101, Oh Holy, Boyfriend’s Rule, I don’t want to play Matchmaker |
| …childhood friends to lovers | My fake crush, After School Lessons for Unripe Apples |
If you want to get more good recommendations, check out my completed Romance Manhwa list.
