Why genre conventions help
Webtoons have clear conventions shared by readers of each genre. When a first chapter announces without explanation that the hero has regressed in time, that a status window has popped up, or that they have joined a sect, it assumes readers already know the convention. For newcomers that is a barrier, but knowing even a little of the conventions makes it quick to see what is new among similar works. In Korean, genres are also often called by clipped abbreviations, which can be confusing at first.
Romance fantasy
Romance fantasy is usually romance set in an aristocratic society styled on medieval or early-modern Europe. Many stories open with regression, where the heroine returns to the past; possession, where she enters someone else's body; or rebirth, where she is born again with her memories. A common setup is being possessed into a villain or side character in a novel she once read, giving a structure where she struggles to escape a tragedy already written for her. Lavish costumes, court life and the rank and power dynamics between characters are major attractions.
- Regression: going back in time while remembering a failed life
- Possession: entering the body of a character in a novel or game
- Rebirth: being born again with memories intact
- Contract relationships: a bond that begins as a deal and gradually changes
Martial arts
Martial arts stories follow people trained in fighting techniques who form sects and compete within a separate society known as the martial world. Settings recur: orthodox versus unorthodox factions, techniques unique to each sect, training to build inner energy. The many terms drawn from classical Chinese feel unfamiliar at first, but after a few series the shared vocabulary becomes familiar quickly. Many martial arts webtoons also mix in devices from other genres such as regression or rebirth, so distinguishing traditional from fusion martial arts helps you find your taste.
Modern fantasy
Modern fantasy places superpowers or game-like growth systems in a present-day city. Typical setups include a world where gates to monster-filled dungeons suddenly open and hunting them becomes a profession, or a status window that displays the hero's stats before their eyes. The core pleasure is watching a weak protagonist grow stronger in stages, so the pace of growth and the rhythm of rewards decide how enjoyable a series is. Worlds with clearly defined stages, like a tower climbed floor by floor, are also common.
Thriller and horror
Thriller and horror make good use of vertical scrolling. Because the next panel is revealed as you scroll down, sudden cuts and scares work especially well. Common structures include a small crack in ordinary life that steadily widens, and conflict among people gathered in an isolated space. Many end each chapter on a strong hook, which makes them good for binge reading, but plenty contain graphic content, so check the age rating first.
Slice of life, drama and comedy
Genres that deal with everyday life, such as work, school, family and dating, without dramatic premises are also a big part of webtoons. Many run as short, self-contained episodes, so you can start almost anywhere without strain. Relatable slice-of-life comics are often based on the creator's own experiences, and workplace dramas win readers by depicting real frustrations in concrete detail. They are also a good change of pace to alternate with when long genre series start to wear you out.
An order for choosing a genre
If the number of genres feels overwhelming, narrow it down in the order below. The first few chapters are often spent laying out the world and its conventions, so give any series at least its opening chapters before judging it.
- Start with the genre closest to the dramas or novels you already enjoy
- Within that genre, pick a completed series first and read to the end
- Use the tags or keywords of a series you liked to find similar ones
- Once conventions feel familiar, try works that subvert them
Things to watch out for
Within a genre, many works share similar premises, which makes them hard to tell apart from the opening alone. Rather than dropping one for seeming familiar, look for what sets it apart in its characters, dialogue and art style. Ongoing long series can go on hiatus or take longer than expected to finish, so if you want to read straight through to the ending, a completed series is the safer pick. For series with many paid chapters, checking the payment method and rental period first helps avoid spending more than you expected.
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