On rare occasions, I come across a manhwa and think: “Why isn’t this more popular?” Sometimes it’s because the story feels truly unique, other times a well-known trope is executed so well that it becomes incredibly enjoyable to read. These 10 recommendations gave me exactly that feeling.
That said, figuring out what really counts as “underrated” isn’t that easy. For this list, I set my own criteria: all of the manhwa featured here have under 10k likes per chapter across platforms (which is also why some of my personal favorites, like Crown Princess Scandal, didn’t make the list).
Nevertheless, these are stories that I genuinely believe deserve more attention – more views, more discussion on social media and Reddit, and simply more readers overall.
10. 30 Minutes with You
Summary and Review: 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.
- 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
9. Radiant Rewind
Summary and Review: This one is a modern time travel story where the FL was fed up with her life, and this time Truck-kun wasn’t the culprit, but a cute, fat cat. She wakes up on sports day in her high school and is her 17-year-old self again. From that point on, she tries to actively change the fate of herself and her friends. I think this one flies under the radar because of the art. She does look very young… but trust me, you should give it a try.
You should read if you:
- Like reading a time travel story with a green flag ML. He’s written nicely
- Love when a romance has good pacing. The characters have depth and thanks to the panel count per scene you feel really immersed in the story
- Can get past her baby face. To be honest, I had to try three times as well to get into this story
8. When Fate finds us
Summary and Review: When Fate Finds Us is not the best romance you’ll ever read. But since I’ve read many more that are way more popular and far less entertaining, I think this deserves a spot on this list. When Fate Finds Us is about Noemie, who is used by the church because of her powers. When she kisses someone – I know, very convenient – she can see their future. When she meets our ML and willingly kisses him to prove her divine power, they start to grow closer.
You should read if you:
- Love the forced proximity trope, because the ML and FL run away together in chapter 3
- Don’t mind a “weak” FL. She is sheltered and naive and doesn’t have the most engaging personality
- Like to read a fast paced story that doesn’t drag. It has a nice conclusion with 86 chapters (and the art is stunning as well)
7. My fake Crush
Summary and Review: Rai and her childhood friend Dogyeong have always been inseparable –to the point where he sees her more like a little sister than a potential love interest. The problem? Rai has been secretly in love with him for years. To hide it, she pretends to be a die-hard fan of the K-pop group DIMPLE, especially her “ultimate bias,” Neulchan. But when Neulchan suddenly transfers to her school, everything turns into complete chaos. This underrated gem plays with 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
6. The Perfect Contract
Summary and Review: Our ML Junwon has it all – looks, charm, and a successful career, but also a very controlling mother. Our FL Ju-I is confident and beautiful but has had to deal with creepy men her whole life. Because Junwon wants to shut up his mother, they agree to a fake relationship, and of course, they fall in love. To be fair, I loved the beginning more than the end, but it’s still a good read.
You should read 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
5. The Daughter of Duke Doesn’t Want to Be Spoiled
Summary and Review: Our FL is the duchess’s spoiled and sheltered daughter who is used to a life of comfort. To protect her, her mother sends her off to the border with a band of mercenaries. The FL’s character design is so unique, and the whole story has such a wholesome feel. But before you read, you should know that the ending isn’t very satisfying. It just ends after 54 episodes… we don’t see the romance developing, only a rushed conclusion in three chapters. I’m heartbroken, but I still want to share this story here, because it will make you laugh.
Check it out if you:
- Love when an FL is completely helpless and tries to find her way in the world – but everyone loves her
- Don’t mind when a story has a very rushed and unsatisfying ending
- Love reading a story where almost all the characters are likable – even the supposed love rival
4. That Which Flows by
Summary and Review: If you’ve watched too many historical K-dramas and don’t know what to watch anymore, you could fill the gap with That Which Flows By. It combines the family wipe-out tragedy from Alchemy of Souls and adds the fated lovers scenario from Destined with You (but without all the fantasy elements). The story follows Dani, who is saved by Gyeol, a stoic general who takes her into enemy territory (without knowing her background). Dani has to hide her identity while working as a maid for him, and they slowly grow closer.
You should read if you:
- Are in the mood for a calm and well written Korean Historical Webtoon
- Love a slow burn romance. And this one is especially well written because of the pining thanks to the Maid x Master dynamic
- Love when all the characters have depth, even the “bad guys.” They are pretty evil, but not comically bad without reason, as in many romance manhwa nowadays
3. Fallen to Paradise
Summary and Review: Ange is being forced to marry Aiden, a noble with a common background who owns a farm in the woods. Because she has been sheltered and catered to her whole life as a noble, she plans to run away and detests her new husband. But her new life slowly grows on her. Although this is not a unique premise, I just love that Aden is a poor noble who actually tries to live a quiet life. You don’t see that often. While the antagonists are not very deep and are just bad for the sake of it, Fallen to Paradise has a special place in my heart, and I think it deserves more recognition.
You should read if you:
- Love reading a story with a lot of character development. Ange truly grows while living on the farm
- Like it when both characters slowly grow closer while learning from each other – with panels showing the ML reflecting on how the FL has grown and how she’s taught him to be more open
- Like reading a historical romance Manhwa where the ML isn’t a super-rich duke – finally!
2. Frozen Hearts
Summary and Review: This manhwa is stunning, and it deserves way more readers. Seola, a snow maiden demon, lives in hiding because humans hunt and kill demons. One day, she receives a notice that she has to marry the Prince of the North – notoriously known for hunting down demons. And he doesn’t take no for an answer.
- Like reading a Prince of the North story you haven’t already read 100 times
- Love when people in the North actually dress for the cold in a manhwa and don’t walk around in flimsy dresses
- Don’t mind the same-face syndrome. Some people skip Frozen Hearts this because “everyone looks the same.” While that is true to some extent, you can still distinguish the characters well because they all have very different designs. So don’t skip on this great story because of that
1. Dare I Hope
Short Review and Summary: If you are searching for a romance manhwa with a badass FL, Dare I Hope is your pick. Not only is her character design interesting (white hair, purple eyes, and a scar), she is truly smart and doesn’t get fazed by small things. Her name is Eleanor Snow, and she proposes a contract marriage to Emperor Herace, who has a very bad reputation. The premise is not unique, but the execution is great, trust me. It has excellent pacing, and the characters have depth – even the antagonists.
You should read if:
- You love when the characters get closer naturally. It feels really rewarding
- Historical Romances with scheming royals is your jam
- You want to read a story where the FL has a supportive family for a change
