The 30 best Modern Romance Manhwa you shouldn’t miss

The 30 best Modern Romance Manhwa Recomendations

Modern Romance Manhwa tell love stories set in today’s world – sometimes with a little bit of magic mixed in. These webtoons are easy to get hooked on because the relationships feel real.

In this list, I’ve gathered 30 of my favorite Modern Romance Manhwa. Some are sweet and comforting, others bring a bit more tension and drama, but all of them are worth your time. Whether you’re new to webtoons or already a big fan, you’ll find something to add to your reading list here.


30. Can’t get enough of you – entertaining modern Romance with character development

Modern Romance Manhwa with office setting
(c) VODAUVEU, QuornQuorn / WEBTOON

Summary:
Can’t Get Enough of You is a Romance Manhwa that follows the tumultuous relationship between Taejun Kim and So-eun Han. After losing his parents in a tragic car accident caused by So-eun’s father, Taejun grows up seeking revenge. As an adult, he becomes wealthy and powerful, using his resources to make So-eun’s life difficult. However, as he spends more time with her, he starts developing genuine feelings, complicating his desire for vengeance. It’s not a great read, but it is entertaining. And the art is phenomenal.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind when the FL is constantly being pushed around – by her current boyfriend at the beginning of the story and by her soon-to-be-boyfriend Taejun Kim
  • Don’t mind when the FL is pretty passive
  • Like reading a story where revenge turns into love

29. My Clueless Love Diary – a modern reverse harem

© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Jungyoon / Taegeon

Summary:
Cho-eun, heir to the powerful underground clan Hongsal, just wants a normal college life with new friends and no drama. But four mysterious guys keep showing up around her, blurring the lines between friend, foe, and maybe something more.

You should read if you:


28. My Cute Beast (Completed) – a modern Romance with a twist

(c) Haesol / Heim / Lezhin

Summary:
The two protagonists are very different from how they first appear. Da-im is an elementary school teacher but outspoken and blunt, earning her the nickname “Siberian Hulk.” On-gyum is a florist with a tough, intimidating look, but he’s actually shy and gentle. What connects them is their shared love for cats and online chats – without realizing who the other person really is in real life.

You should check it out if you:

  • Like reading a story that plays with stereotypes and turns them around
  • Don’t mind when the characters don’t communicate openly in the beginning
  • Love it when the female lead is ruthless, and the male lead is shy and blushes a lot

27. Act Like You Love Me! (Completed)

(c) WEBTOON Entertainment / XUANN

Summary:
Ji-eon is in her mid-twenties, broke, and stressed out, trying to make ends meet with a job at a convenience store. One day, she stumbles upon a strange doll that can control Doyun Nam – a famous actor secretly struggling with panic attacks. Their relationship starts off rocky but quickly becomes hilarious and surprisingly sweet.

To be fair, I didn’t like how she treated the second ML, and that whole end arc felt unnecessary. Still, this is a fun, light read I’d definitely recommend.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind reading a love triangle
  • Like reading a Modern Romance Manhwa with a supernatural twist
  • Love it when the FL is a loudmouth and voices her opinions

26. An Hour of Romance (Completed)

(c) Tappytoon / Kim Myeongmi

Summary:
Jooahn and Dojin work in the same company but couldn’t be more different from one another. Jooahn plans out every little detail at work and has a leading position in the company, while Dojin is working as an entry-level marketer and still makes tons of mistakes. But he is adored by everyone at work while the employees are kind of afraid of Jooahn. One day they take a trip to a monastery and a little monk messes with their fates, so they change bodies one hour a day. This is a really fun enemies-to-lovers Manhwa.

You should read if you:

  • Like seeing two opposites get together
  • Love having much character development from the main characters
  • Like reading a Manhwa with many hilarious moments (as is to be expected from the body-switch plot point, but the toilet scene was still unexpectedly awesome)

25. For the Third Time (Completed)

(c) Got W, NARA / Webtoon

Summary:
The summary on Webtoons contains a spoiler, so I’d recommend skipping it. This story is much more enjoyable if you go in blind. Here’s all you need to know: Dohee is fiercely career-focused and incredibly successful. But this office romance comes with a fantasy twist: she can time loop. Her unique ability keeps her ahead at work, but also leads her to isolate herself from others. At its core, this is a story about loss, resilience, and loneliness.

You should read if you:

  • Love a very strong FL that stands up for herself in many ways
  • Don’t mind a hot-and-cold ML and plenty of angst
  • Are ready for a heavy backstory that adds depth and complexity to the characters

24. Boyfriends Rule (Completed)

(c) Do yoon /WEBTOON

Summary:
Jiun’s romantic troubles begin when her crush, Jae-i, confesses he likes someone else. To complicate matters, Jae-i mistakenly thinks Jiun has a crush on his intimidating best friend, Seohyeon. Jae-i tries to help Jiun win over Seohyeon, leading to unexpected developments and a closer relationship between Jiun and Seohyeon. It’s a very fun read, but fair warning: once the main couple gets together, the focus shifts to Jae-i and his own love story.

You should read if you:

  • Like reading a very funny story that finds some unexpected ways to be romantic
  • Don’t mind a story built entirely around one big misunderstanding between the main couple.
  • Don’t mind when the focus switches after the first couple gets together

23. Eaternal Nocturnal (Completed)

(c) WEBTOON Entertainment / instantmiso

Summary:
The Manhwa’s FL is Eve, a young woman plagued by chronic insomnia. Her life changes when she encounters Dae, a mysterious dream eater who visits her in her sleep. Dae consumes dreams to sustain himself and finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Eve. Their relationship evolves from a symbiotic arrangement into a deeper connection.

Eaternal Nocturnal was one of my favorite Modern Romance Manhwa, but the abrupt ending unfortunately ruined it a bit. It’s still a fantastic read, and instantmiso did try to tie up loose ends, but it felt rushed – almost like it was axed.

You should read if you:

  • Love reading a story with approachable and realistic characters
  • Don’t mind when the ML keeps a pretty important secret from the FL
  • Like when the romance and also the plot are engaging and well-written

22. Sixth Sense Kiss (Completed)

(c) Got W , Jocobong

Summary:
When our FL Yesul kisses someone, she receives a vision of his future. One day she kisses her strict boss Minhu and the vision she sees leaves her stunned. I won’t say more so I won’t spoil you. This story has a bit of unrealistic drama but it’s still a nice read.

You should read if you:

  • Like it when the main couple seems fated to be together
  • Love a story with many chapters where they are just lovey-dovey
  • Like reading a Modern Romance story with a supernatural touch

21. Here U Are (BL) – a Modern Romance Manhwa with a university setting

(c) Antstudio, Jäger / Yeondam / TAPAS MEDIA 2021

Summary:
Hyeonu is cheerful, chatty, and always surrounded by people, while Jaehwan barely speaks and walks around with a permanent scowl. At first, they can’t seem to get along, but as Hyeonu spends more time with him, he discovers that behind Jaehwan’s cold exterior is someone caring and soft-hearted. Their relationship grows slowly and naturally, filled with small moments of trust and connection, but it’s not without challenges that test their bond.

You should read if you:

  • Love stories with great tension between the main couple
  • Don’t mind a “we can’t be together because of a silly reason” arc
  • Enjoy stories with more than one couple

20. Touch Your Heart (Completed) – a modern CEO-Secretary-Romance

ⓒ Antstudio, Jäger / Yeondam

Summary:
Yoon-Seo is a popular actress but finds herself not getting any jobs anymore. She is not exactly known for her good acting. One day she gets the chance to have a lead role in an upcoming film, but there is one condition: she must become a secretary to practice her role. That’s where she meets Kwon, the male lead.

You should read if you:

  • Like reading a Manhwa with no relevant love triangles
  • Don’t mind when the male lead is pretty judgmental at first
  • Love reading a Manhwa with a headstrong and funny female lead – and communication

19. It’s Just Business

(c) youngha , gongsa

Summary:
Eunho has zero interest in love – she’s all about her career. Sharp, confident, and socially skilled, she’s well-liked by both clients and higher-ups. Romance isn’t part of the plan – until a new colleague joins the team and an old flame reappears, stirring up feelings she thought she’d long left behind.

You should read if you:

  • Like when a young chaebol is getting put to work instead of getting everything handed to him
  • Don’t mind the good old love triangle
  • Like it when the ML has a lot of character development and the FL is competent and strong

18. No Office Romance

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON Ltd. / Doboo / Namsoo

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON Ltd. / Doboo / Namsoo

Summary:
Yunji and Saebom’s first love was left unfinished, abruptly halted by a decade of separation. Now, as adults, they appear to have moved on and agree to remain friends and coworkers. However, beneath the surface, unspoken tension persists between them. Will they just stay friends, or does fate have different plans for their future?

You should read this Modern Romance Manhwa if you:

  • Don’t mind a love triangle and flashbacks of side characters that can disturb the flow of reading
  • Like the childhood-friends-to-lovers trope
  • Love reading a story with very good humor and funny scenes while still having a coherent plotline

17. My Reason to Die (Completed)

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON / Juju

Summary:
Ji-o’s dream of joining the national taekwondo team gets postponed when she gets injured just before tryouts. Amidst this challenging phase, she encounters Gyeol, an enigmatic boy who turns her world upside down. Gyeol, with his bad-boy exterior and kind heart, captivates her, despite the seemingly red flags.

Check it out if you:

  • Like tension. It doesn’t get any better than in My Reason to Die. The story has a nice flow.
  • Love it when the premise is pretty dark and the story is complex and confusing at times.
  • Like it when the ML seems to have the upper hand but is actually very supportive of the FL.

16. A Business Proposal (Completed)

Modern Office Romance Manhwa
(c) Guava Farm / Perilla / NARAK / Haehwa / TAPAS MEDIA 2020

Summary:
Ha-ri helps her friend out by going on a blind date for her best friend who is tired of the marriage set-ups by her father. She pretends to be a super-vixen in order to scare potential candidates away, but she didn’t expect her “opponent,” CEO Taemu, to be that persistent. He has a goal of his own: he wants to get married in order to not get nagged by his family anymore, and he doesn’t care who it is. The problem is: Ha-ri is an employee at this company and doesn’t want to get exposed.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind some unnecessary drama that gets prolonged at some point
  • Like it when the ML is hot, rich, and can do everything – precisely the CEO type
  • Love having more than one couple in a story

15. Positively Yours (Completed)

(c) TAPAS MEDIA 2020 / Kang Ki / Lee Jung

Summary:
This story revolves around Doo-joon and Hee-won and starts after they had a passionate one-night stand. They met at a bar, and to Hee-won’s dismay, she got pregnant. She wanted to keep the news to herself, but fate brings them together, and Doo-joon insists on taking responsibility for the baby. This is how their relationship begins.

Read my review for “Positively Yours” if you’d like more details before reading.

You should read this Modern Romance Manhwa if you:

  • Like having your MLs being the perfect package: rich, patient, devoted, good-looking – just… good at everything
  • Don’t mind when you sometimes want to shake the FL because she is so cold and stubborn
  • Love when the pacing is calm, except for the occasional drama

14. Maybe Meant to Be

(c) honeyskein , damcho /WEBTOON

Summary:
Jia Han, a 32-year-old freelancer struggling to find work, is fed up with her parents constantly urging her to get married and move out. When she bumps into her childhood friend Mincheol Jin, who is also under similar pressure from his parents, she impulsively suggests that they should marry to solve both their problems. To her surprise, he agrees, and she suddenly finds herself navigating an unexpected marriage. Maybe meant to be is also a very good Romance Comedy Manhwa.

You should check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the FL isn’t completely honest and plays games to bring the ML out of his shell
  • Like reading a Romance Manhwa with absolutely gorgeous art
  • Love the “contract marriage” trope

13. The Dawn to Come (Completed)

Modern Romance Manhwa
(c) Kang Ki, Woo Jihye /Manta

Summary:
Junyeong has a tough life. With an abusive mother and no friends at school, she hides from the world and finds solace in an abandoned house where she can study in peace. But her quiet refuge is disrupted when Beomjin Kwon, a seemingly notorious delinquent, discovers the same spot. Forced to share the space, the two slowly begin to grow together.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind when the romance starts after a timeskip
  • 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

12. Love 4 a Walk – a modern Romance Manhwa with cute pets

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON Ltd. / Nuria Sanguino

Summary:
Pam has had her heart broken more times than she can count, and being dumped because of her unruly dog, Bob, was the final blow. Now resolute in her decision to care for Bob alone, how long can this hopeless romantic resist her enigmatic yet kind neighbor, Tyler – especially when he’s so great with dogs.

Check it out if you:

  • Love reading a story with great art and unique character design
  • Don’t mind that the ML wears clogs with socks most of the time (I personally think it’s a fun character design)
  • Like it when the tension between the leads develops pretty early

11. Iseop’s Romance

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON Ltd. / 248 / Anna Kim

Summary:
Mingyeong Kang, with her sharp business skills, quickly rose to become a senior manager at Korea’s top conglomerate, TK Group. After 10 years, she faces a new challenge as the secretary to Iseop Tae, the company’s heir. Their history goes back to their early days at the company, where Mingyeong outshone Iseop and bruised his pride, yet he can’t help but be drawn to her.

Before you start reading, a warning: their physical dynamic isn’t handled well. Iseop often comes across as pushy, which doesn’t reflect well on him and the rest of the story.

Check it out if you:

  • Like reading a Romance Manhwa from the perspective of a ML (though the author switches to the FL’s perspective sometimes)
  • Enjoy a secretary–boss relationship
  • Love reading about a relatable CEO for a change – he is childish, pushy, and indecisive

10. My Bias Gets on the Last Train

(c) JIXKSEE

Summary:
Every night our protagonist Yeo-un gets on the last train and every night he sees a girl with a guitar that catches his eye. One night they start talking about music – turns out, that Yeo-un’s favorite indie band is none other than her, Hae-in. She doesn’t reveal her secret though.

You should read if you:

  • Want to read a regular slice-of-life romance story – no office romance, CEO drama, or overused tropes
  • Don’t mind some fan service
  • Like good tension between the main characters from the very beginning

9. Seasons of Lovesome (Ongoing) & Seasons of Blossom (Completed)

(c) HONGDUCK , NEMONE

Summary Seasons of Blossom:
Seasons of Blossom is a Webtoon that’s divided into different parts. At first, I didn’t like it because I loved the first couple, but the story is written really well. Although this story has a high school setting, it is quite sad, and the dialogue feels mature (although there is some hair-pulling and typical teen drama, but it’s quite fun).

It starts off with two friends having feelings for the same guy and a fake relationship – I know, a plot we’ve seen a million times. Nevertheless, this Webtoon flows nicely, and you should give it a shot.

You should check it out if you:

  • Love it when the ML is very direct and seems kind of cold
  • Like it when the FL is liked by everyone but lets herself go with the ML
  • Enjoy romance Webtoons with wholesome friendships

Summary Seasons of Lovesome:
Seasons of Lovesome is a continuation of Seasons of Blossom. So you can meet all your favorite characters again – and get introduced to new ones. It has a university setting and, just like Seasons of Blossom, jumps perspectives a lot and focuses on many characters.

You should read if you:

  • Like reading a romance with complex characters
  • Don’t mind having many different relationships in one story
  • Like when characters help heal each other and overcome trauma together

8. Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid (Completed)

© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Yongchan

Summary:
Although Choa is a mermaid, she can’t swim. After trying several times, she trades her tail for human legs and starts living with her dad on land (this happens before the start of the Webtoon). She still loves the ocean and water, though.

One day she goes to the pool alone and accidentally falls in because Soo surprises her. After finding out her secret, Soo makes her an offer: he wants to teach her how to swim.

You should check this Modern Romance Manhwa out if you:

  • Like it when the FL has a secret identity
  • Don’t mind a love triangle (with an obvious outcome)
  • Like reading about friendship and character development

7. The Perfect Contract

© WEBTOON Entertainment Inc. / Yongchan

Summary:
Junwon, a successful and charming CEO, seems to have it all. Ju-I, a confident pharmacist who knows her worth, isn’t easily impressed. The two agree to a no-strings-attached relationship with one simple rule: don’t fall in love. What begins as a calculated plan to appease Junwon’s mother soon becomes complicated as real feelings start to grow.

You should check this Modern Romance Manhwa out if you:

  • enjoy the classic setup of a contract relationship with a CEO – but done surprisingly well and refreshing
  • like unexpected plot twists and lovable side characters
  • love a strong female lead who’s capable on her own but isn’t afraid to accept help from the male lead

6. Romance 101 (Completed)

ⓒ NAVER WEBTOON Ltd. / Namsoo

Summary:
This story revolves around Bareum and her life at university. Sounds boring? Far from it! Romance 101 is a great and fun read where the main couple initially has some disagreements but gradually gets together. It’s lighthearted, there’s no dragged-out drama, and the relationships feel real.

Also: the ML is the greenest flag on this planet. The art and color palette are really unique, so that’s a rare treat too. Just go read it.

You should check it out if you:

  • Don’t mind when the FL has a crush on another guy at first
  • Like reading a fun story with very little drama and many lovable characters
  • Love it when the main couple starts on the wrong foot

5. Childhood Friend Complex

(c) EUNHI

Summary:
Ha-neul and Mincheol are childhood friends with a playful, teasing dynamic. They’re completely comfortable around each other – until Ha-neul accidentally catches Mincheol touching himself. That moment sparks her curiosity, and their relationship slowly starts to shift. The Release Date of Season 2 has been confirmed.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind mature content. I usually don’t include mature Manhwa in these lists, but Childhood Friend Complex is an exception – it’s such a fun read. The tension and dynamic between the main characters are fantastic, and it’ll have you grinning from ear to ear. It’s on Webtoon with no explicit scenes, though it’s definitely on the spicy side.
  • Like it when the main characters get together quickly – this is the opposite of a slow burn
  • Don’t mind some unnecessary drama that keeps the couple apart. With the foreshadowing at the end of season one, season two will likely lean into that, unfortunately.

4. Something About Us (Completed) – An Old Classic

(c) Lezhin / Lee Yunji

Summary:
Han Woojin and Doh Gahoyung are best friends, and they get along so well that even their close friends repeatedly ask if they really aren’t together. Neither of them even considered being in a romantic relationship until Woojin comes back from his military service, and it all starts with a little badump.

Check out my review if you want to know more about this Manhwa: Something About Us Review.

You should read if you:

  • Like reading a Manhwa with great pacing and calm storytelling
  • Love reading a story where best friends become lovers (is that considered a spoiler?)
  • Like it when storytelling emphasizes feelings rather than unrealistic plot points

3. See You in My 19th Life (Completed) – a unique modern Romance Manhwa with a magical twist

(c) Lee Hey

Summary:
Buckle up because with this story you’re in for a ride. Protagonist Jieum Ban has a special ability: she remembers all her past lives. In her previous life, she met Seoha, a bratty boy with whom she got along great. Unfortunately, her life ends pretty early, but thanks to her ability, she tries to reconnect with Seoha.

Read it on Webtoons.

You should check it out if you:

  • Like reading a story with the perfect flow (there is drama, but it’s not unrealistic or overloaded)
  • Love feeling all the feels
  • Like it when the FL is assertive, and the ML is on the receiving end

2. Our Secret Alliance (Completed) – childhood friends to lovers in a modern setting

(c) Cakenyam

Summary:
This one is a gem, and I don’t know why it isn’t talked about more. The ML is the ultimate green flag, and although he does everything for the FL, it never feels wimpy or forced. He’s simply a genuinely supportive guy.

The FL is just as great. She’s cheerful and always tries to help the people around her. What I love most about this story is its perfect pacing and realistic approach to feelings and relationships.

To actually summarize: this story is about two high school students who have known each other since childhood, grew apart, and slowly start getting closer again over time.

You should check it out if you:

  • Like a story with realistic drama you can relate to (at least a bit)
  • Love stories that give you butterflies – the tension is perfect, not only between the main couple
  • Enjoy unique art and lovable side characters

1. Selfish Romance

Selfish Romance
© Gyogyo Park / WEBTOON

Summary:
Hyeondo and Yumin are both in their 30s and freshly heartbroken – still in love with their exes but left behind for different reasons. In a moment of shared desperation, they come up with a plan: they’ll pretend to date, hoping to make their former partners jealous. It’s selfish, a little immature, and probably doomed from the start. But as the act goes on, lines begin to blur.

You should read if you:

  • Don’t mind when the main characters start off with different love interests (we still don’t know the ending, but I’ll take a wild guess)
  • Enjoy romance with complex characters, different love languages, and drama that feels realistic
  • Love some juicy tension between the leads

Comment your favorite modern Romance Manwha!

Picture of Elly
I have read more than 1000 Romance Manhwa, Webtoons and Manga - TV-Series and books not included. So I hope to bring a deep and nuanced understanding of the genre to every review and recommendation. As a journalist with seven years of experience, I've dedicated my free time to exploring and writing about the intricacies of romance in various forms.

Find out more about me.

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3 Responses

  1. Whoever made this site, god bless you and your entire family. I’m so tired of going through trial and error just to find a good read. I just wanted you to know that this site is a God send and I can finally check out the manhwas that would actually interest me and not waste time on the ones that don’t. Again thank you!

  2. does anyone have more modern shoujo manhwas since ive already read all on this list

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