Korean anime, often referred to as “manhwa” when it comes to comics, has been gaining massive popularity across the globe. For years, Japan’s anime has been the king of the animated world, but Korean anime has emerged as a strong contender in recent years, with many unique and captivating stories that blend stunning animation with complex characters and world-building.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the best Korean anime, what makes them stand out, and why they should be on every anime fan’s watchlist.
Key Points:
- Korean anime has gained massive popularity due to its unique art styles.
- The storylines in Korean anime are often dark, thrilling, and action-packed.
- More and more Korean anime are being adapted from popular manhwa.
Why Is Korean Anime So Popular?
Korean anime has been slowly rising in popularity, not only in South Korea but across the globe. The global boom of streaming services has played a huge role in helping the Korean animation industry gain traction, and with platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll offering Korean series, the reach is far greater than ever before.
Korean animation is not bound by the traditional “anime” style, which gives creators the freedom to experiment with different approaches. Korean animation tends to have a more fluid, realistic art style compared to Japanese anime, which can often be more exaggerated. This gives Korean anime a distinct look that appeals to a broad audience.
The storytelling in Korean anime is another major factor in its growing popularity. Korean series often incorporate elements of fantasy, adventure, romance, and drama with darker themes like dystopia, betrayal, and existential dilemmas. This mixture of complex plots and characters leads to a gripping viewing experience that can resonate deeply with its audience.
What Are the Best Korean Anime to Watch?
If you’re new to Korean anime and want to know which series are the most popular, here’s a list of the must-watch shows:
1. Tower of God
This anime is based on the popular webtoon “Tower of God” written and illustrated by SIU. It follows the journey of a boy named Bam, who enters a mysterious tower to find his closest friend, Rachel. The tower is filled with various levels, each one posing a new challenge. This anime is well-loved for its excellent world-building, unique character designs, and interesting power systems.
Key Highlights:
- Incredible world-building
- Complex characters with hidden motivations
- Stunning animation that brings the world to life
2. The God of High School
“The God of High School” is another webtoon adaptation that quickly gained traction. The anime focuses on a martial arts tournament where participants fight for the title of the “strongest high schooler.” As the tournament progresses, the stakes grow, revealing a much darker and more dangerous world. This series is known for its breathtaking fight scenes and impressive animation.
Key Highlights:
- High-paced, action-packed fights
- Strong character development
- Explores deeper themes about power and friendship
3. Noblesse
“Noblesse” follows the story of a noble vampire named Raizel, who has awoken after 820 years of sleep. He embarks on a journey to protect his friends and face a hidden secret society that poses a global threat. With beautiful animation and gripping characters, this anime delivers on both the action and emotional fronts.
Key Highlights:
- Vampires and supernatural elements
- Action-packed and engaging story
- Characters with rich backstories
4. Blood of Zeus
While technically a co-production between the US and South Korea, this anime is a fantastic example of Korean animation. “Blood of Zeus” tells the story of Heron, a son of Zeus, who must fight to save the world from the Titans. The visual style of the show is heavily influenced by Western animation, but the blend of Greek mythology and anime sensibilities makes it a unique viewing experience.
Key Highlights:
- Stunning animation that blends Western and Korean styles
- Greek mythology meets action
- Strong central character with an emotional arc
5. Yumi’s Cells
“Yumi’s Cells” is a romantic-comedy webtoon turned into an anime that delves into the daily life of Yumi, a woman navigating love, work, and life. What sets this series apart is how the inner workings of Yumi’s brain are visualized through different “cells,” which represent her emotions, thoughts, and reactions. The anime is a charming, funny, and relatable exploration of human nature.
Key Highlights:
- Unique concept of showing emotions as “cells”
- Relatable themes of love and self-discovery
- Adorable animation style
How Does Korean Anime Differ From Japanese Anime?
While both Korean and Japanese anime are forms of animation, there are noticeable differences in style, tone, and storytelling. Let’s explore some of the key differences:
| Aspect | Korean Anime | Japanese Anime |
| Art Style | More realistic and fluid | More exaggerated and stylized |
| Themes | Often darker and more complex | Variety of themes, often more light-hearted |
| Storytelling | Often longer arcs, with deep world-building | More episodic, with a quicker pace |
| Character Design | More realistic and detailed | Exaggerated, with large eyes and unique features |
| Cultural References | Strong focus on Korean culture | Focused on Japanese culture, but global influence |
Note: Korean anime has a distinctive art style that may appeal to those who prefer a more realistic look compared to the exaggerated style of traditional Japanese anime.
What Makes Korean Anime So Unique?
The uniqueness of Korean anime comes from its diverse themes, engaging characters, and intricate plots. Many Korean anime feature elements of fantasy, science fiction, and even political intrigue. They delve deep into human nature, exploring complex themes like power, loyalty, and identity.
Additionally, Korean anime often emphasizes a more grounded and emotionally driven storyline, which allows for greater character development. This focus on emotional depth sets it apart from some other anime series that prioritize action over character complexity.
Conclusion
Korean anime is rapidly gaining recognition for its captivating stories and unique animation style. With series like “Tower of God,” “The God of High School,” and “Noblesse,” it’s clear that Korean animation has a lot to offer to anime lovers worldwide. Whether you’re drawn to complex plots, intense action, or emotional storytelling, Korean anime has something for everyone.
If you haven’t already explored Korean anime, it’s time to dive in. Whether you’re a fan of action-packed adventures or heartwarming tales, Korean anime is quickly becoming a must-watch genre for fans everywhere.
FAQ’s
- What is the most popular Korean anime?
- “Tower of God” and “The God of High School” are among the most popular Korean anime worldwide.
- How does Korean anime differ from Japanese anime?
- Korean anime tends to have more realistic animation, with darker and more complex themes compared to Japanese anime’s more exaggerated art styles and lighter themes.
- Are there any romantic Korean anime?
- Yes, “Yumi’s Cells” is a popular romantic comedy Korean anime that explores love and self-discovery.
- Where can I watch Korean anime?
- You can watch Korean anime on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and others that offer webtoon adaptations.
- What are the themes commonly found in Korean anime?
- Korean anime often features darker themes, including power struggles, fantasy elements, and emotional storytelling.
