The Best Manhwa With Protagonists Who Are Not Korean

Key Takeaways

• Explore captivating manhwa with non-Korean protagonists, featuring reincarnation and epic sword fights.
• Discover unique stories of love, friendship, and redemption in manhwa like
  Overpowered Sword
  and
  Infinite Mage.
• Dive into the world of adventure, revenge, and honor with manhwa such as
  Star-Embracing Swordsmaster.

The age of Manhwa is upon us, and with that, there are many genres in this comic market for every taste. For those looking for something closer to Western storytelling than Korean fiction, folklore, or urban fantasy, there are lots of manhwa that feature protagonists who are not from the country of origin of the authors.

This article contains the best Manhwa with protagonists who are not Korean, and that includes reincarnation and similar isekai tropes. From a beautiful story about a noble who had another chance to be happy, to the rise to power of a knight who came from the slums, these stories are sure to satisfy even the most exigent fans.

Updated on November 9, 2024, by Lucas Simons: With so many Manhwa seasons closing the year, and many series finishing their final season, things have progressed quite fast for some of the series mentioned below. The Reformation Of The Lazy Noble has finally started advancing towards the Action Shounen it was meant to be. Overpowered Sword has turned into a Rom-Com, with a new Rival appearing to steal the heart of the Hero. Infinite Mage has gifted fans with a breathtaking season finale and closed with a masterful cliffhanger. On the other hand, there are many new series with non-Korean protagonists popping up on the radar. We’ve included several of them on this list with this latest update, and we’ve updated some of the information about the currently ongoing series as well.

8 The Reformation Of The Lazy Noble

A Story About Rising Again Even After Falling To Rock Bottom

• Genre: Fantasy, Reincarnation, Sword & Sorcery, Comedy, Drama
• Author: Doip
• Artist: Lee Deung Byeol

The Reformation of the Lazy Noble (also known as The Reformation Of The Deadbeat Noble) is the story of Airen, a noble who was depressed and ostracized to his room, feeling like the world around him was crumbling. Since he was little, he pursued the path of the sword, until one fateful day he lost a duel. That defeat destroyed his confidence, provoking him to isolate himself. One day, he starts to have dreams about a mysterious swordsman, training in isolation in a faraway forest. He is so impacted by these dreams that he slowly but steadily regains his former self.

Much to the happiness of his burdened and worried family members, Airen decides to enroll in the Swordsman Academy, a prestigious school for all those willing to follow the path of the sword. Little does he know that the ghost of a terrible past will pursue and haunt his dreams, while he forces himself to carry on, following the shadow of that mysterious swordsman he always dreams of. On his path, he will meet lots of quirky characters, including a talking cat named Ruru, an aloof and arrogant young noble lady who becomes his rival and love interest, and many others. This is a great read for fans who enjoy mild fantasy and epic sword fights.

7 Overpowered Sword

A Wholesome Tale About Love And Friendship

• Genre: Action, Fantasy, Drama, Shounen
• Author: ELDO
• Artist: ELDO

Overpowered Sword is the story of Leon, a failed swordsman who was never meant to be the hero, but who managed to change his fate by drawing the attention of the former Hero and swordmaster, Elcid. This ascended being, now trapped inside the Sacred Sword, chose Leon to be his successor over the candidate that the Goddess Marked for one simple reason: He was impressed by Leon’s sheer willpower and toughness.

After a time of training directly under the tutelage of Elcid, Leon meets Karen, with whom he quickly forms a bond, and they start to travel together. Of course, Karen feels attracted to Leon and the feeling seems to be mutual. They pair up nicely together, so there’s plenty of romance and dorky moments to be had, almost on pair with romantic comedy manhwa. The best thing about this story, however, is that the MC earns every bit of his overpowered skills by sheer effort and through constantly proving himself worthy of the title of hero. With the latest development of the series, the Saintess has joined the MC’s crew, provoking a certain reaction in Karen. Will the skilled Rogue confess her feelings, allowing the romance between the two to finally flourish? Or will this new heroine steal the spotlight, and the hero’s heart? We will see.

6 Infinite Mage

If You Love Maths, Science, And Magic, This Is For You

• Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Comedy, Action
• Author: Kim Chiwoo
• Artist: REDICE Studio

Infinite Mage is the story of Shirone, a bastard son of a noble who was abandoned in a stable and raised by a commoner couple. Shirone was happy until he developed his magic at a late age, and suddenly, he had a whole world to discover. While other noble children attend the magic academy from a young age, Shirone has a rough start, and is selected by the headmaster of the prestigious Alfeas Academy to participate in school activities through a scholarship.

The children of the nobility are not so sure about Shirone at first, and bully him to exhaustion, but as he gains more confidence and quickly catches up to them, they start to respect and tolerate him. He even makes some friends, and together they form a study group. For some reason, he also gets entangled with his senior student, Amy, the daughter of a noble merchant who hates his guts, but conveniently fakes being his girlfriend to discourage other nobles from approaching her. As for what awaits Shirone at the end of his journey, it is still too early to know. We will have to wait and see how the story develops, but so far, it has been great.

5 A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special

A Man Who Lost Everything Tries His Best To Prevent Tragedy

• Genres: Isekai, Sword & Magic, School Drama
• Author: Wookjakga
• Artist: Usonan

Desir Arman had to watch in horror as every person he loved died, one after the other. The Shadow World phenomenon swallowed his reality and destroyed everything he held dear. Then, suddenly, he is transported back in time. With a new chance, Desir will re-write history, pairing with the most prestigious mages in the Hebrion Academy. He quickly teams up with Romantica Aru and Pram Scheinder, and after some time, Adjest Kingscrown (who is secretly the princess of the Kingdom) joins the crew.

Team Desir (as they are named in the Academy) quickly rises in the ranks, proving time and time again that origin doesn’t matter, and that the greatest weapon of a mage is the bonds of friendship they forge in battle. Determined to shatter the pre-conceptions of a snob society, and prepare Hebrion for the disaster that will come in the future, Desir carries a heavy burden: protect the world at all costs. A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special is a manhwa about friendship, survival, and, of course, lots of cool magic duels. This story also has some of the best character development fans can find in modern manhwa, so it’s definitely worth a read.

4 Star-Embracing Swordsmaster

Seeking Vengeance, He Found Justice And Honor

• Genre: Adventure, Drama, Dark Fantasy
• Author: Q10 – Hong Dae Ui (Adaptation)
• Artist: juno

Abandoned in the streets of Shoara, Vlad grew up raised by Jorge, a former mercenary, and Marcella, the madame of a brothel. Living in the muddy streets among the low-ends of society has made Vlad a tough and level-headed young man, but he desperately dreams for more. Ever since he was struck by lightning, he has had this feeling when holding a stick, or a pole, as if something called for him. Every day he finds himself starting at a sword, hanged in the local smithy’s wall, dreaming of becoming a swordsman.

However, when tragedy strikes and everyone in his foster family (except his childhood friend, Jemina) is murdered by a Noble’s Knight, he swears to get revenge. Becoming a mercenary and fighting for the youngest son of the Bayhezid house, Vlad soon draws the attention of Sir Jayhad and Lord Joseph, who propose that become a full-fledged knight under the tutelage of the Bayhezid noble banner. Vlad accepts, not knowing that his tale of revenge will slowly but steadily become a story about honor and pride. This is how the tale of the Star-Embracing Swordmaster begins, but not how it ends. Vlad has progressed quite a lot in the most recent season, with new friends joining his circle of trust, a new Master, and, against all odds, a horse who finally allows him to mount, a necessary step to becoming a full-fledged knight.

3 Summoners Academy

Sort Of A Rom-Com, But Also A Great Action Manhwa

• Genre: Action, School Life, Comedy, Sword and Sorcery, Drama
• Author: Tarzyan
• Artists: Grami

A Spellthief named Noah is sent on a dangerous quest to invade the Rene Magic Academy, only to be found out and chased by the most powerful fiery Summoner: Illoise, the Sion of a noble family who is about to be disowned. Illoise threatens to kill Noah, but when she’s about to catch him, the nimble thief drops through a window and crashes into the office of the Academy’s Director.

The powerful mage sees potential in Noah, and gives him two choices: Either be delivered to the Royal Guards, or enroll in the Academy as a full scholarship student. Needless to say, Noah takes the latter offer, and his life as Illoise’s partner in crime begins. Summoners Academy is a cool read, a mixture of Rom-Com, School Life, and Fantasy Adventure that will appeal to a wide variety of readers.

2 The Great Mage Of The Hero’s Party Lives Again

Reincarnation With A Twist, And Lots Of Great Developments

• Genre: Action, Reincarnation, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, School Life, Shounen
• Author: Jeonghoon
• Artists: Potetorosu

A Sage who sacrificed his life to save the world, and fell into a deep sleep. A Heroine who waited for him until her last breath. When the Sage came back, it was centuries later, and the life he knew was long gone. Reborn as the youngest son of a noble mage family, the Sage will have to work his way up again to gain access to his former preserved body, and to the legacy the Heroine left for him.

The Great Mage of the Hero’s Party Lives Again is a School Life/Drama story, sprinkled with some comedy and shounen. It’s a decent read, with a main character that wasn’t reincarnated from Korea like in most manhwa of the same genre. It is a little bit slow at first, but once it gains traction, the story becomes very interesting and has a twist that will leave most readers wanting more.

1 The Barbarian Of Seoul Station

A Reverse Isekai Where The MC Is A Barbarian From Another World Living In Korea

• Genre: Action, Reverse Isekai, Urban Fantasy, Comedy, Drama, School Life
• Author: LICO
• Artists: Jin Seol Woo

Cheoldu, a small child is saved by his dying parents before a rival tribe murders him, and is sent to Earth using powerful Shaman Magic. Arriving in Korea, Cheoldu finds a way to survive until he is old enough to fend for himself.

The Barbarian of Seoul Station is a story about a Barbarian sent to a modern world where magic doesn’t exist. At least, until a fateful day when Earth is invaded by beings from Cheoldu’s world, and the Barbarian within him awakens once more, eager to spill the blood of monsters.