Sometimes you just want to read something that makes you feel good. Revenge, horror, and yandere stories can be entertaining, but they can also leave you feeling more drained than before. With these 20 picks, you’ll finish almost every chapter with a big grin on your face – I promise. To make it easier to find exactly the manhwa you’re in the mood for, I’ve given each one a Wholesomeness Score. Here’s the overview:
- Wholesomeness Level 1: The character dynamic is wholesome, but the setting and communication aren’t great.
- Wholesomeness Level 5: This Romance Manhwa will make you feel good, but there is some Drama or miscommunication for more than one chapter.
- Wholesomeness Level 10: No Drama at all – bickering, sure, but no conflicts for more than one chapter.
20. Please Marry Me Again! (Completed)
Summary: Shurya was an outcast in high society until she met her husband, Kardi. When a curse begins to slowly kill him, she sacrifices herself in his place and is reincarnated. Now she’s on a mission to marry him again – this time without the tragic ending.
Wholesomeness-Level 9: If you are in the mood for a sickly sweet couple you should read Please Marry Me Again. It will not be the best story you’ll ever read, but it scratches that itch exactly.
You should read if you:
- Love it when the couple dynamic is “Us against the world”
- Don’t mind when the story gets predictable
- Don’t mind when their problems get solved almost immediately and their struggles stop feeling like a well written plot point
19. 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.
Wholesomeness-Level 8: This story moves at a very slow pace. Don’t read it for the romance –read it for the calm feeling it gives.
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
18. Want to See My Cat? (Completed)
Summary: Chayeong Mun enjoyed a perfect life with her husband, three cats, and two dogs. After dying while saving a student, she’s given a rare chance to return to life – ten years in the past. Now she sets out to marry her husband once again and reclaim her idyllic life.
Wholesomeness-Level 7: The whole story has a calm, steady vibe, with pacing that feels spot-on. And the adorable animals give it an extra dose of wholesomeness.
Check it out if you:
- Like it when the female lead is very straightforward and calm
- Love isekai but want a different kind of storytelling for a change.
- Like reading a Romance Manhwa with unique art and love it when the ML isn’t honest but cute
17. Until the Tragic Male Lead Walks Again (Completed)
Summary: Our FL Lamille tries to prevent Roel from becoming the story’s villain by marrying him – although he rejects her countless times. He sits in a wheelchair and doesn’t want to burden anyone. It is a short but wholesome read.
Wholesomeness-Level 10: Although Roel is depressed, has a sad backstory, and many enemies, this gets a ten. How Lamille cares for him is very wholesome. Also, their family dynamic is nice. Finally, nice parents for a change.
You should read if you:
- Love when the Female lead is completely unhinged.
- Don’t mind when the story basically ends, just when they kiss for the first time.
- Like when the male lead is the shy and timid one for a change.
16. Golden Hour
Summary: Jeremiah is broke and pretty unsatisfied with his life overall – until one day, a fluffy golden retriever follows him on his way home after running away. When he reunites the dog with its owner, our FL, their relationship slowly begins to grow.
Wholesomeness-Level 9: Golden Hour is a story about two people who bond over a big fluffy golden retriever. It doesn’t get more wholesome than that. But the whole vibe is not quite a ten.
You should read if you:
- Don’t mind when the FL has a different partner in the beginning – it gets resolved very quickly though
- Like to support an author on Canva – this story is self-published
- Love reading a story that is somewhat based on the real experience of the artist
15. Wanna be Friends?
Summary: Sienna struggles to make friends but is set on changing that. Her first “target” is Ian, the handsome ice prince of the school. It might sound cliché, but it’s actually a sweet high school romance with healthy communication (even if it’s not always perfect) and a deaf male lead.
Wholesomeness-Level 7: Ian is traumatized and tries to push people away, but even the short drama-arc is wholesome and we get a lot of character development out of it.
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
14. Positively Yours (Completed)
Summary: This story revolves around Doo-joon and Hee-won and begins after a passionate one-night stand. They meet at a bar, and to Hee-won’s dismay, she ends up pregnant. She plans to keep it to herself, but fate brings them back together, and Doo-joon eventually finds out. Of course – as the supposedly perfect male lead he is – he insists on taking responsibility. That’s how their relationship begins. Read my review of Positively Yours if you want more details before diving in.
Wholesomeness-Level 5: The last chapters would get a wholesomeness-level 10, but because it takes so long to get there the rating is lower.
You should check it out if you:
- Like having your male leads being the perfect package: rich, patient, devoted, good looking – just… good at everything
- Don’t mind when you sometimes feel the urge to shake the female lead because she is so cold and stubborn
- Love when the pacing is pretty calm, except for the occasional drama
13. Maybe Meant to Be
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.
Wholesomeness-Level 6: Their dynamic is not very harmonious in the beginning. After a while it gets more and more wholesome, though.
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
12. Boyfriend’s Rule (Completed)
Summary: Jiun’s romantic troubles begin when her crush, Jae-i, admits he likes someone else. To make things more complicated, Jae-i mistakenly believes Jiun has feelings for his intimidating best friend, Seohyeon. Wanting to help, Jae-i tries to set them up, which leads to unexpected developments and a growing closeness between Jiun and Seohyeon. It’s a really fun read, but fair warning: once the main couple gets together, the spotlight shifts to Jae-i and his own love story.
Wholesomeness-Level 7: The characters are all really fun and their dynamics are wholesome. The first story would have gotten a wholesomeness-level 10 but the romance between Jae-I and Bora is not that smooth.
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. A Spell for a Smith
Summary: In a peaceful forest, a shy witch finds solace in her cozy cottage, while a grumpy dwarf seeks comfort in his blacksmith’s forge. They are drawn to each other’s kindness, and a gentle chemistry begins to develop between them, even as they keep their own secrets hidden. The art is detailed, the setting is magical, and the storytelling is really heartfelt in this one. Although they both have their own trauma to deal with, it’s really nice to see how they treat each other.
Wholesomeness-Level 5: The dynamic between the main characters easily deserves a wholesomeness level of 10, but with all the evil side characters and the trauma involved, it drops down to a 5.
Check it out if you:
- Like when the MCs deal with trauma and insecurities throughout the story (especially Ivy)
- Love it when the ML has integrity and doesn’t get swayed by rumors
- Finally like reading a love story where the ML is shorter than the FL
10. Swimming Lessons for a Mermaid (Completed)
Summary: Although Choa is a mermaid, she can’t swim. After several failed attempts, she trades her tail for human legs and starts living on land with her dad (this happens before the Webtoon begins). Still, she loves the ocean and water. One day, she goes to the pool alone and accidentally falls in when Soo, our male lead, surprises her. After discovering her secret, Soo makes her an offer: he wants to teach her how to swim.
Wholesomeness-Level 7: Without the love triangle, this would have been a solid 9. But everything ends well, and even the family drama gets resolved. The story has a very airy, fresh feel to it.
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 stories that focus on friendship and character development
9. I Will Become the Villain’s Poison Taster
Summary: After a fatal car crash, our protagonist is reborn as Giselle Rozevin, a notorious antagonist destined for death by poisoning in prison. Surprisingly, numerous attempts to poison her fail, and she finds the poisons unexpectedly delicious. Then – surprise – the ML appears and offers her a job.
Wholesomeness-Level 4: Although the premise, setting, and antagonists are very dramatic, I still find this one very wholesome. I think the main reason is the ML. He is supposed to be a villain but treats the FL very well and is just overall a refreshing male character.
Check this wholesome Manhwa 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
8. Love 4 a Walk – a wholesome Romance Manhwa with cute pets
Summary: Pam has had her heart broken more times than she can count, and getting dumped because of her unruly dog Bob was the final straw. She’s set on taking care of Bob alone, but her resolve starts to waver when her enigmatic yet kind neighbor Tyler steps in – especially since he’s so good with dogs.
Wholesomeness-Level 6: Tyler is a depressed guy and it takes some time for him to warm up to Pam. Their dynamic isn’t wholesome from the start but the whole vibe of the comic is.
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 actually think it’s a fun design choice)
- Like when the tension between the leads starts to build pretty early
7. Raising My Fiancé with Money
Summary: Money can’t buy her love, but it can help her get some sweet, sweet revenge. Our FL, Lady Ilya Bloden, manages to get out of a loveless engagement and engages in a contract with the most wholesome green flag ML ever. Although he is called the “Bloodthirsty Butcher of the Battlefield,” he finds it hard to talk to people. Basically, the ML is a big teddy bear. BUT: Raising my fiancé with money does have the typical trash characters – although they don’t have too much screen time.
Wholesomeness-Level 7: The dynamic between the main characters is really great. Finally a female lead who flaunts her money and supports the shy and timid male lead – not the other way around. The story itself does have some drama though.
Check it out if you:
- Like the misunderstood-ML-trope
- Love it when the FL is headstrong and has a supportive family for a change
- Don’t mind feeling broke as hell because Ilya flaunts her money at every corner – but it’s not too much, I promise. It’s fun.
6. Romance 101 (Completed)
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.
Wholesomeness-Level 8: 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. There are some conflicts, so it’s not a wholesomeness-level 10.
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 minimal drama and many lovable characters
- Love it when the main couple starts off on the wrong foot
5. Our Secret Alliance (Completed)
Summary: This one is an absolute gem, and I don’t understand why it isn’t talked about more. The male protagonist is the greenest flag you’ll ever see – he does everything for the female lead, but it never feels wimpy or forced. He’s simply a genuinely supportive guy. Our female lead is just as great: cheerful and always trying to help the people around her. What I really love about this story is the perfect pacing and the realistic take on feelings and relationships. And to give you a quick summary instead of just a review: this story follows two high school students who have known each other since childhood, drifted apart, and slowly find their way back to each other.
Wholesomeness-Level 7: There is very well written tension between the main couple, and the second couple. But there is some family drama and the FL likes someone else first so it’s not a ten.
Check it out if you:
- Like realistic drama you can actually relate to (at least a little).
- Love that butterfly-in-your-stomach feeling, because this story delivers tension perfectly – not just between the main couple
- Enjoy unique art and a cast full of lovable characters
4. Villain with a Crush (Completed)
Summary: Rosa Park immediately falls for Doryeong Han, the nation’s beloved superpowered police officer, after he rescues her from a collapsing building. Two years later, she tries to get closer to him while wearing a disguise. Unfortunately for her, she’s incredibly clumsy and causes chaos with her superstrength. A new villain is born: Blackdog. And now Doryeong has to catch her.
Wholesomeness-Level 8: It’s kind of wild how a story built almost entirely on misunderstandings and supervillains can still feel this wholesome. Each character is fun, creative, and full of personality. Sure, the villains are a bit cliché, but overall this is easily one of the best romance comedies out right now.
You should read if you:
- Love seeing strong women who actually look strong. That’s very, very rare.
- Don’t mind that the whole premise would disappear with just a little communication and they did the second ML dirty. He really didn’t have to have feelings for Rosa for the story to turn out exactly the same.
- Enjoy reading a story that feels truly unique. It’s such a breath of fresh air.
3. Ooh La la (Completed)
Summary: Oh 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.
Wholesomeness-Level 10: There’s no miscommunication, their dynamic is something you truly haven’t read before, and even the rare fights between them come across as wholesome. Go read it if you need to feel good about the world.
You should check it out if you:
- Are open-minded when it comes to art. It’s not your typical art style.
- Like when a romance manhwa has 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.
2. Involuntary Romance (BL) (Completed)
Summary: Baekya and Jichan have always been inseparable. But when Jichan lays eyes on Hyeon—the most popular boy in school—he’s instantly smitten. Hoping to help, Jichan convinces Baekya to befriend Hyeon and play matchmaker. Baekya reluctantly goes along… until Hyeon turns the tables and says: “You’re making it pretty obvious. I know you like me.” From there, the feelings get complicated fast.
Wholesomeness-Level 10: This is just medicine for the soul. If you’re after a sweet high school romance with zero dragged-out drama, Involuntary Romance is a must-read.
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
1. The Daughter of Duke Doesn’t Want to Be Spoiled
Summary: The duchess’s spoiled daughter, used to a life of comfort, suddenly gets caught up in political chaos and is sent off to the border with a band of mercenaries. With her luxuries gone and a strict captain keeping watch, she has no choice but to adapt fast if she wants to make it through.
Wholesomeness-Level 10: Some mild Drama, like kidnapping or jealousy. But even this is portrayed rather wholesome. I promise you, this is the most wholesome Romance Manhwa you will ever read. Our FL doesn’t talk very much, but that just boosts the whole vibe of wholesomeness.
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 the FL doesn’t talk very much
- Love reading a story where almost all the characters are likable – even the supposed love rival
Btw. there are some good news for fans for Childhood Friend Complex: The release date for season 2 has been confirmed. If you’re looking for a good office romance manhwa, check out my recommendations.
