manhwa

Manhwa is the Korean word for comics. In English it usually means Korean comics specifically, today mostly read as webtoons on a phone, scrolling down a single long strip.

What manhwa means

Wikipedia describes manhwa as the general Korean term for comics and print cartoons, and notes that outside Korea it usually refers to Korean comics in particular. Wiktionary defines it simply as a comic originating in Korea. Fans compare it to its relatives: Japanese manga and Chinese manhua.

Modern manhwa is often in full color and built for scrolling. Many popular titles are published as webtoons, and some have been adapted into films, dramas and TV shows.

Examples

• “The drama is based on a manhwa I read years ago.”
• “I read manhwa on my commute, it’s perfect for scrolling.”
• “Is this a manga or a manhwa? It reads left to right.”

Manhwa vs. manga vs. manhua

• Manhwa: Korean comics, usually read left to right or scrolled vertically.
• Manga: Japanese comics, traditionally read right to left.
• Manhua: Chinese comics.

Wiktionary notes the three words are related; they share Chinese-character roots.

Where it came from

It’s a borrowing of Korean 만화, written with the same characters as Japanese manga. Wikipedia says manhwa has reached many other countries through webtoons, leading to film, drama and TV adaptations.

Related terms

• Hallyu: the Korean Wave.
• Isekai: stories about being transported to another world.
• Otaku: an obsessive fan.
• Shonen: manga aimed at boys.

See more terms like this in our anime slang guide.