What is manhwa?

Manhwa refers to South Korean comics, a form of entertainment and storytelling similar to Japanese manga and Chinese manhua. Manhwa has experienced significant growth and popularity both within South Korea and internationally, thanks in part to the accessibility offered by digital platforms. Here are some key features and aspects of manhwa:

1. Format and Style: Traditionally, manhwa is serialized in magazines and later compiled into volumes. However, the rise of digital manhwa, often called "webtoons," has changed the format significantly. Webtoons are typically designed to be read on smartphones and are presented in a vertical scroll format, which distinguishes them from traditional book-like layouts.

2. Themes and Genres: Manhwa covers a wide range of genres, including romance, action, fantasy, horror, thriller, slice of life, and more. There are also manhwa specifically targeted towards different age groups, with "shonen" (for younger male readers), "shojo" (for younger female readers), and "seinen" or "josei" (for adult audiences) categories similar to those in manga.

3. Art Style: While sharing some stylistic elements with Japanese manga, such as expressive characters and dynamic action sequences, manhwa often features its own unique art style. It tends to have more realistic character designs and varied use of color, particularly in webtoons, which frequently use colored illustrations rather than black and white.

4. Cultural Influence: Manhwa often incorporates elements of Korean culture and societal issues, making them distinct from manga and manhua. This includes the use of Korean settings, names, cultural practices, and addressing topics pertinent to Korean society.

5. Global Popularity: With the advent of platforms like LINE Webtoon and other digital services, manhwa has gained a massive global audience. Many popular manhwas have been translated into multiple languages, allowing international readers to access and enjoy them easily.

6. Adaptations: Successful manhwa series are often adapted into other media, such as TV dramas and films, both in South Korea and internationally. For example, the webtoon "Tower of God" was adapted into an anime series, expanding its reach and popularity.

7. Notable Titles: Some well-known manhwa series include "Tower of God" by SIU, "The God of High School" by Yongje Park, "Noblesse" by Son Jeho and Lee Kwangsu, "Solo Leveling" by Chugong, and "True Beauty" by Yaongyi.

As the popularity of digital content continues to rise, manhwa, particularly webtoons, are expected to keep growing in influence and reach, further solidifying their place in the global comic landscape.