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25+ BEST Historical Manhwa (Recommendations)

Updated November 28, 2022 by Ernie

If you don’t know this already, Manhwa is basically a Korean Manga. And while hard-core Manhwa fans will probably bash me for simplification, there are distinct differences between Manga and Manhwa and Manhua (yes, that’s a thing), ranging from alignment to color, etc.

But for simplicity’s sake, manga is Japanese, Manhwa is Korean Comics, and Manhua is Chinese. Manhwa may not be as popular as Manga, but it has a very loyal audience.

This one is for the history nuts. Manhwas has rich and diverse content, and stories based on earlier times are no exception.

Here is a comprehensive list of Historical Manhwa.

KOREAN WEBTOONS WITH HISTORICAL SETTING

26. The Princess’s Time Travel

the princess's time travel
TitleThe Princess Time Travel
AuthorRight to Left Comic Studio
GenreFantasy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters86
StatusOngoing

On a fateful day, Chu Xing Yue wakes up with pain in her chest. However, she’s being carried by a stranger in Ancient Chinese Clothing; the stranger doesn’t take her to a doctor (Did they call Doctors “Doctors” back then?)

Instead, he tells her to “Shut Up!” I guess he had a good reason because soon they were also being attacked by assassins. The Stranger protects her, and it is at this moment, Chu Xing Yue realizes that she doesn’t belong in this century, or rather, that century, she had time traveled. She was now in the body of an ancient woman.

There is a healthy amount of action involved in this Manhwa, but don’t worry; the plot and character development are not sacrificed in the process. The story gets a little scary at one point. There’s also a lot of cannibalism, so if you find that weird or disturbing, you should probably stay away.  

25. Actually, I Was The Real One

Actually I was the Real One 1
TitleActually, I Was The Real One
AuthorSam Woel , Yuwoon
GenreShoujo / Webtoons / Fantasy / Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters80
StatusOngoing

Keira, a little noble starving for love and affection, has always put on a mask trying to look and act like the perfect daughter in order to receive her father’s approval.

She became a submissive slave in a way who shut herself from the world so she can fulfill the plans her family had for her.

However, all her efforts were in vain because when a woman better and prettier than her appeared claiming to be the real Keira, everybody believed her.

She was executed for her so-called crimes but fortunately the gods decided to give her a second chance.Keira woke up in the past, however, she had no intentions of going after revenge, all she wants now is to live a happy, free life away from the people that persecuted her.

24. Pomegranate Blooms In Spring

Pomegranate blooms in spring
TitlePomegranate Blooms in Spring
AuthorDa Qing Long, Xiao Zhu Que
GenreDrama, Historical, Drama
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters47
StatusOngoing

Xie Yan is a spoiled daughter of a General (yes, you’ll be seeing a lot of this). She lost her parents overnight, but because of her family’s status, she’s still “relevant.” She is involved in an ongoing power struggle between the Emperor and the Minister in the Royal Court.

But here’s the controversial part: at the age of 7, she’s sent to the Emperor’s Harem and made an Empress. But don’t worry, she’s an Empress in NAME ONLY. So no, there’s nothing illegal here, so you can read it without going to jail. The Manhwa mainly follows the drama in the Emperor’s palace and how our main characters deal with it.

23. Carrier Falcon Princess

Carrier Falcon Princess 1
TitleCarrier Falcon Princess
AuthorHan Ryui , Dongjeon , Samweoleh
GenreWebtoons / Josei / Romance / Comedy / Drama / Fantasy / Historical
TypeManhwa
Release Date2021
VolumesUnknown
Chapters65
StatusOngoing

Zelle was a princess, she fought and fought for her country, however, her efforts died in vain  since they ended up losing the war.

Kidnapped by the enemy, she thought that it was going to be the end for her, but when she opened her eyes, she was still alive.

There is something weird about her though, her body, it’s like it’s not her own… And she was right about that. The girl was transformed into a bird.

I don’t know if it should be considered good or bad but sure beats being dead, and at least she can still be of use for her home. Carrying messages and all is also important.

22. Beware of The Villainess

Beware of the Villainess 1
TitleBeware of The Villainess
AuthorBbongdda Mask , Pureunkanna
GenreComedy / Drama / Romance / Webtoons / Fantasy
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters126
StatusOngoing

A girl was thrown into a historical novel where she became the villainess. However, she absolutely had no intention of fulfilling her role, but she was still gonna completely mess with the story.

Knowing that the female MC was going to be used and manipulated by the sucky four male MCs, she was going to make sure to throw the bastards out of the novel and let the female lead get the glory.

21. Vampire of the East

Vampire of the East
TitleVampire of the East
AuthorHan seung hee ,Jo joo-hee, Joohee jo, Seunghee han
GenreFantasy, Gender Bender, Historical, Mystery
TypeManhwa
Release Date2021
VolumesUnknown
Chapters104
StatusOngoing

Yangsun has had a hard life; the decline of her family has forced her to work as a bookseller, but what’s her real identity? And why is she hiding it? One day, she encounters Eumseokgol to deliver some books. There, she runs into a drop-dead gorgeous vampire (Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen an ugly vampire) named Sungyul Kim.

What follows is a cliche Vampire-Human love story with the usual obstacles such as one of them is a human and the other a vampire, who’s so introverted, he’s pretending to have leprosy just so people would leave him alone.

The setting is Chosun-era, which is hands down my favorite era, of course.

The multiple side stories can get a little confusing, but the art is quite lovely.

20. Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage

Father I dont want this marriage 1
TitleFather, I Don’t Want This marriage
AuthorHong Hee Su
GenreDrama / Fantasy / Historical / Romance / Webtoons
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters91
StatusOngoing

Our heroine woke up in a novel, in the character that was destined to die. But she is not having it. Since she knows the story, she is sure to find a way to reverse her fate.

The first step is to make sure she doesn’t marry the crown prince her father gave her hand. Logical, the guys kill anyone who dares disobey him.Step two is maybe leaving the country since it seems she already did something worth being killed for. Might as well bounce, right?

 

19. Complying with Imperial Edict (Imperial Edict)

complying with imperial edict
TitleComplying with Imperial Edict ( Imperial Edict )r, I don’t want this marriage
AuthorLu Lingjun
GenreComedy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2019
VolumesUnknown
Chapters52.5
StatusOngoing

Situ Xiu is a complete weirdo; at least that’s what she’s described as. But she’s also the granddaughter of the General of the Xia Kingdom, so she can’t be ignored. She’s also described as being weak, and cowardly she stutters.

But Situ has to overcome her shortcomings when her younger twin decides to run away for absolutely no reason when he’s appointed as a general; the impending war (definitely not the reason, of course), however, isn’t going away. The Emperor, who’s oblivious of this whole situation, issues an “Imperial Edict”, ordering the younger brother to the country’s borders to defend against the invaders.

Situ has no choice but to pretend to be her brother (cause she’s his twin, duh) and fight the Cha Kingdom without anybody noticing.

As far as plots go, this may seem ridiculous, but when it comes to Manhwas, it’s pretty tame. However, it is genuinely quite funny, one of the funniest Manhwas I’ve ever read, to be honest. I’d highly recommend it if you want to have a good time and don’t mind a flair of romance.

 

18. Ingrid the White Deer

Ingrid the white deer
TitleIngrid the White Deer
AuthorRed parsley, whitefence
GenreFantasy, Historical, Josei, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters83
StatusOngoing

Ingrid Farnese, also known as “Elvynee Deer” who’s a beautiful daughter of the Farnese Family, has always been expected (by her parents, the society in general) to marry into a foreign royal family (Like almost all women were expected to, dark age indeed!). But Ingrid had other plans; she decided to have an affair with none other than a royal playboy.

Ingrid doesn’t want to move out of her home kingdom, the “Valentine Kingdom.” So to make sure she stays put, she decides to make the illegitimate playboy son of the king, Regan Espencer propose to her, but here’s the problem; he has no interest in marrying her. My man just wants to live a good life and keep things casual.

You may encounter mixed reviews regarding this particular Manhwa; people find the main characters, especially the female, are selfish and angsty, which, to be fair, they are. Still, if you like morally grey characters, you won’t find a problem with this. While it’s essentially a romance Manhwa, there is a certain depth in the characters that most Manhwas don’t represent. 

17. I Married the Male Lead’s Dad

I married the male leads dad 1
TitleI married the Male Lead’s Dad
AuthorGo Eun Chae
GenreWebtoons / Drama / Fantasy / Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters74
StatusOngoing

She wants him! She will follow him till the end of the world at the risk of being mistaken for a stalker. At some point, he will have to acknowledge her devotion.As crazy as that sounds, her plan actually worked. He accepted her feelings and even declared their marriage the second after. And this is how our heroine became the new mother of the MC.

16. My Gently Raised Beast

My gently raised beast
TitleMy Gently Raised Beast
AuthorIreunkkot,Teava
GenreDrama, Fantasy, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters99
StatusOngoing

Blondina grew up poor, but she’s no commoner. When she’s taken back to the palace, her family isn’t quite welcoming, and she’s treated poorly. She’s a forgotten princess.

However, her life changes when she meets Amon, a member of the divine leopard who can turn into a human!

15. Flirting with the Villain’s Dad

flirting with the villain's dad
TitleFlirting with the Villain’s Dad
Authorvia, dalseul
GenreRomance, Fantasy
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters103
StatusOngoing

Bus-kun finds herself in the body of Princess Yerenica, which is a character in the novel “Brisney Wants to be Happy”.

The exciting thing is she’s reincarnated 20 years before the story begins! Now, who wouldn’t like to jump into Harry Potter and make sure Voldemort was never born? Bus-kun had the same idea, so she tries to seduce the villain’s father, so the villain is never born.

14. I Stan the Prince

I stan the prince
TitleI married the Male Lead’s Dad
AuthorGo Eun Chae
GenreWebtoons / Drama / Fantasy / Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters74
StatusOngoing

She wants him! She will follow him till the end of the world at the risk of being mistaken for a stalker. At some point, he will have to acknowledge her devotion.As crazy as that sounds, her plan actually worked. He accepted her feelings and even declared their marriage the second after. And this is how our heroine became the new mother of the MC.

Angela is sentenced to death by the Imperial Family when her fan fiction on Prince Rayburn is published.

Rayburn’s sister takes her in to protect her, but she has to write a sequel to improve the prince’s image. The only thing she starts, though, is spending more time with the prince himself. You’ll never be sure who the villain is, but you’ll have fun reading this.

13. I Shall Master this Family

I shall master this family
TitleI Shall Master This Family
AuthorKim roah
GenreShoujo, Drama, Fantasy, Historical
TypeManhwa
Release Date2021
VolumesUnknown
Chapters80
StatusOngoing

After the death of their patriarch, Firentia’s grandfather, the Lombardi Family is in ruin. When she meets her untimely death, she’s reincarnated as her seven-year-old self. Will she use this chance to take control of her family, or will she fail?

12. Villains are Destined to Die

Villains Are Destined To Die
TitleVillains Are Destined to Die
AuthorGwon Gyeoeul
GenreFantasy, Historical, Isekai Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters106
StatusOngoing

While playing an Otome game (basically a dating game for women), our protagonist is sucked into the game and the body of the villainess, Penelope Eckhard.

Her biggest problem is that the game is in hardcore mode, and much like Minecraft’s hardcore mode, if you die, you die permanently. 

 

11. Truthfully, They Only Remembered Her

truthfully they only remembered her
TitleTruthfully, They Only Remembered Her
AuthorRyu Heeon
GenreFAction, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Historical
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters86
StatusOngoing

Clarence Holton, a Commoner Knight who’s a total downer, decides to leave her entire life behind after the war, including the promised honor and happiness that she could’ve had.

 Where did she go? We wouldn’t have a story if we knew that now would we? Contrary to what Clarence thought, she wasn’t forgotten. The Imperial Prince, the Taciturn Knight, and the Genius Wizard all decide to go find her when the news of her disappearance reaches them. And hence our story begins.

This Manhwa is genuinely a work of art. The artwork is exquisite and you’ll get lost just by looking at the place setting. The character development of the main character is truly remarkable. If you start reading this, I guarantee you that you’ll beg for new chapters once you catch up because it’s a fast read.

 

10. Princess in the Rough

Princess in the rough

TitlePrincess in the Rough
AuthorHarasyo
GenreDrama, Fantasy, Josei, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2022
VolumesUnknown
Chapters83
StatusOngoing

The title should’ve been “Princess in the Wild,” but now that I think about it, even that sounds a little inappropriate. “The Lost Princess,” yes that should’ve been the title. Don’t let the weird title turn you away, though. This is a pretty sweet story.

 A girl with deep glowing, bejewelled eyes is found in an abandoned palace. Her eyes aren’t just beautiful but nothing short of divine! Also, there’s a baby dragon with her (no big deal). There’s no doubt she’s the long-lost daughter of the Emperor. All these years, she grew up in the wild, unaware of who she was and what she was capable of. She meets her father and her three siblings, who try to bond with her and catch up on all those lost years.

Will this young girl who was raised by the wild learn to trust them? Will the return of the lost princess bring fortune to the Kingdom, or will it be their ruin?

There aren’t many chapters, but I think you’ll enjoy following the adorable tale. The Father-Daughter relationship is incredibly cute, and siblings aren’t the antagonists if you think they are. But do not worry, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There is an Antagonist, and at this point, he has been introduced.

 

9. The Elixir of the Sun

the elixir of the sun
TitleThe Elixir of the Sun
AuthorKonn, One
GenreFantasy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2021
VolumesUnknown
Chapters97
StatusOngoing

The Siyo are people that have the divine ability to heal others. Our protagonist, Bayan, is one of them, yet she’s not. She’s considered an outcast amongst the Siyo people because she doesn’t possess the ability to heal others.

Bayan is therefore sent to the Court of Dhan, the Great Sun Emperor. Dhan is a dude with issues. He’s “cursed” with bloodlust (no, he’s not a vampire, sorry to disappoint you) and straight-up murders his wives. It seems that Bayan would be no exception, and Dhan would remain a nutjob forever, but of course, there’s a twist in the tale, he doesn’t murder her right away.

Bayan may not have the ability to heal bodies. Still, it appears that she might be able to recover a broken Emperor. You may write this off as the usual bad boy – good girl trope where the good girl manages to “fix” the bad guy, but it’s not. For one, the female lead is not a pushover. She’s not evil, but you do not want to get on her wrong side. And the male lead is, of course, not what everyone thinks he is. The couple is pretty cute, and the artwork is solid.

 

8. Shadow Bride

shadow bride
TitleShadow Bride
AuthorRed parsley, whitefence
GenreFantasy, Historical, Josei, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters83
StatusOngoing

Yunjo, the young prince, has lived his entire life in the shadows of his much more capable and dashing brother. But that doesn’t mean he’s useless. He continues to serve his kingdom from behind the scenes without any credit or recognition from the general masses.

It turns out his brother Yigang is not the capable one. Yunjo wins all the wars and defeats the enemies, all in Yigang’s name.

Enter the female love interest, Seolyun. A charming and mysterious young woman who changes his life forever. With the help of Seolyun can the real hero of the kingdom finally come out of the shadows, or is he doomed to the shadows forever?

I must say I truly enjoyed this Manhwa. You lowkey hate Yigang, and you’ll love the female lead, Seolyun.

 

7. What It Takes To Be A Villainess

what it takes to be a villainess
TitleWhat It Takes to be a Villainess
AuthorHÆON, Yuns, Min(REDICE STUDIO)
GenreHistorical, Isekai, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters163
StatusCompleted

Hwayoung, after getting her heartbroken, falls headfirst into a river (Yikes!). But here’s where the story begins. She wakes up as the infamous villainess known as Satiana Altisee Kaylon who is the sole daughter of the House Kaylon.

While coming to terms with her new identity, she must learn how to deal with the liars and schemers in the palace, all while she’s learning how to become something she’s never been; A Villainess.

The plot is quite typical but I like the fact that the female lead is not a cliche damsel in distress. It’s a fast read and quite enjoyable if you just want to have fun.

 

6. The Princess is Evil

The princess is evil
TitleThe Princess is Evil
Author차소희
GenreDrama, Fantasy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2021
VolumesUnknown
Chapters69
StatusOngoing

As the title suggests, the tiny, adorable, and cute princess is EVIL, but she wasn’t always an evil princess, she used to be an evil witch in her previous life about 300 years before the story takes place. She was killed and betrayed by a trusted friend, and instead of just moving on and accepting death like a normal person, she’s reborn into a vicious imperial family.

To exact revenge on the ones who wronged her, she has decided to become the Empress. The story’s not so complex, to be honest. Everyone falls in love with the princess because she’s cute and they have no idea who she is or what’s going on inside her head. You may find yourself feeling sorry for her siblings because they’re marginalized but who cares, she is cuter than them!

5. The Reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion

the reason why raeliana ended up at the dukes mansion
TitleThe Reason Why Raeliana Ended up at the Duke’s Mansion
AuthorWhale, Milcha
GenreComedy, Fantasy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2019
VolumesUnknown
Chapters158
StatusCompleted

To survive, Raeliana must pretend to be the fiance of Duke Noah Wynknight, who’s cold-hearted and she’s not sure if this will keep her alive

This isn’t your regular old romance. There are conspiracies, mystery and a certain thrill in the plot that you just don’t get in shoujo isekai manwha these days. The politics, the manipulation, and Raelian herself are truly engaging. The characters’ artwork is beautiful and they all look very attractive.

 

4. My Royal Awakening

my royal awakening
TitleMy Royal Awakening
AuthorDopamin / Gu-sa
GenreShounen, Fantasy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters71
StatusOngoing

Who wants to be the drudge of modern society? People would sell their body parts just to escape the monotony. Experience something new, be someone else! So when you see an average working-class Korean guy being yeeted into the body of the Grand Prince of the Joseon Dynasty, you’d be pretty happy for him, even lowkey jealous. Right?

However, you would be wrong to be happy for him since the Grand Prince is the younger brother of King Yeonsan who was one of the tyrannical kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Things can go sideways real quick when your brother is a king that murders people on a whim.

So our main character, Prince Jin-Seong attempts to make things right and take control, basically changing history (because that never has any repercussions).

While the main character’s transition from modern-day Korea (South Korea of course) and lack of backstory is kind of annoying. The world-building and historical accuracy are remarkable.

3. Princess Imprints a Traitor

Princess imprints a traitor
TitleThe Princess Imprints a Traitor
AuthorLee Rinbi
GenreAdventure, Drama Fantasy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2021
VolumesUnknown
Chapters83
StatusOngoing

Even Rose and Michael couldn’t be more different from one another. He belongs to a race that is used in slavery and manual labor in the kingdom where she is a princess. By what miracle will these two will encounter each other, and how?

While time reversal is a common theme in manhwa, this is one of the genuinely stunning examples. One of the few that explain why and how it happened instead of just jumping in.

2. The Villainess Lives Again

The Villainess Lives Again 1
TitleThe Villainess Lives Again
AuthorPEACHBERRY, Mint
GenreWebtoons / Drama / Fantasy / Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2020
VolumesUnknown
Chapters124
StatusOngoing

Artezia Rosan was brainwashed into thinking that her happiness will be bought by making sure her brother has it all.

She is a genius strategist and an even better manipulator that put all her effort into making sure her brother one day seizes the throne.

As valuable as a weapon as she was, she was also the greatest scapegoat in case their plan was sniffed out by the royal family.

Her brother didn’t hesitate a second to pin all their crimes on her and she ended up betrayed and in prison awaiting her punishment.  

Before the verdict was out, she was rescued and decided to sacrifice her life to sabotage her brother and she did.

However, she did not actually die, she woke up in the past and suddenly hundreds of opportunities to get back at him opened before her.

1. What’s Wrong With You, Duke?

what's wrong with you duke
TitleWhat’s Wrong With You, Duke?
AuthorBandalbanji
GenreShoujo, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Historical, Romance
TypeManhwa
Release Date2019
VolumesUnknown
Chapters133
StatusCompleted

Duke Dreux of Faucigny is a brutal and, at times, cruel ruler. But he turns into a lovestruck puppy whenever he’s around Noel because of a magic spell.

Noel must find a spell that makes him a “not a pain in the a**” whenever he’s not around her. I must say the story doesn’t start quite well, but it does get better after a while. The Male lead is likeable since the female lead knows he’s under a spell and not himself but still decides to stay with him, which is super creepy. The ending also seems a little rushed; they could’ve done a better job developing the characters, especially the female lead.

Conclusion

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Well, there you have it my friends, my top 20 Historical Manhwas. While history is the common theme in this list, it is still diverse. In terms of historical accuracy, you might find yourself disappointed but each story here is in some way or the other inspired by the social norms, specific time periods, older customs, and traditions of the past. 

If you’re done with the entire list, check out The Best Manhwa of All Time!

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