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Did you know that webtoons originated in South Korea? The term “webtoon” is a combination of “web” and “cartoon,” which refers to comics that can be easily accessed and read online, particularly on mobile devices. Korean webtoons have become a key part of Korean pop culture and also helped promote the Korean Wave (Hallyu) tremendously. In this article, let’s look at the 5 things you need to know about Korean webtoons.
What are the 5 things about Korean webtoons?
1. The start of Korean webtoons
If you are familiar with Manhwa (Korean comics) then you will find that Korean webtoons are something similar, just that it is published online. In the early 2000s, the term “webtoon” began to emerge as artists started publishing comics online.
Then came the launch of Naver Webtoon which marked a vital moment, allowing creators to publish their work on the platform. Throughout the years, many Korean webtoons began to be adapted into dramas and animations, enhancing their visibility even more. There was also an increase in translations and adaptations for international audiences.
Today, Korean webtoons are not just a mainstay of online reading; they also play a major role in the entertainment industry, shaping fashion, film, and music trends.
2. Key features of Korean webtoons
One of the main features of Korean webtoons is the use of the vertical scrolling format, designed for easy reading on mobile devices. Many webtoons are available for free, while some offer premium content for a fee. You may ask why pay for content? The most important factor here is allowing readers to support creators, so they can produce content sustainably.
Webtoons encompass a wide range of genres, such as romance, fantasy, horror, action, comedy, and slice-of-life, attracting diverse audiences. Webtoons showcase a wide range of art styles, vibrant colors, and creative layouts, making them visually appealing and engaging.
Another unique point of Korean Webtoons is how the creators feature diverse characters with relatable life stories and emotions that resonate with readers. Most webtoons also reflect current social issues, trends, and cultural nuances, making them appealing to a demographic that values authenticity.
The last key feature to highlight is how readers can comment, rate, and interact with creators, influencing future storylines or character development. Isn’t this exciting? Now you may also change the development of your favorite webtoons!
3. Platforms to read Korean webtoons
Whether you are new to webtoons or simply want to browse through some popular and engaging comics, we recommend 3 platforms to start.
Number one on the list is the first-ever launched platform, Naver Webtoon. It features easy navigation for readers and also offers an extensive range of genres. One of the best things about Naver Webtoon is regular updates to keep readers engaged with ongoing stories. It also encourages community Interaction such as commenting and polls.
Launched around the same time as Naver Webtoon, Kakao Webtoon (formerly Daum Webtoon) is another platform you can consider. Kakao Webtoon is well known for its high quality content published by famous artists with diverse content, ensuring there’s something for every reader. If you’re a new reader, perhaps Kakao Webtoon is perfect as most content is available for free, allowing readers to explore without financial commitment.
Another webtoon platform founded by two Korean entrepreneurs is Tapas. Something unique about Tapas is that it features a mix of webcomics, novels, and graphic novels, offering diverse genres. You find unique stories that may not be available elsewhere. Not just reader-friendly, but Tapas is also a creator-supportive platform as it provides tools and resources for creators, helping them monetise their work and reach a wider audience.
4. Adaptation of Korean webtoons into K-dramas
Do you know some of the Korean webtoons that were adapted into popular K-dramas? Does True Beauty, Sweet Home, or The Uncanny Counter ring a bell? These K-dramas are adapted from webtoons!
One representative work is True Beauty, played by Moon Ga-young, Hwang In-yeob, and Cha Eun-woo. This romance series revolves around a high school girl who becomes a makeup expert to transform her appearance and navigate the challenges of teenage life. The story explores themes of self-acceptance, beauty standards, and the impact of social media. Watch heartthrob Hwang In-yeob and Cha Eun-woo chase after Moon Ga-young, the love in their teenage years while engaging in an exciting love triangle.
Sweet Home is an action and thriller series played by Song Kang, Lee Jin-wook, and Lee Si-young. The synopsis encompasses residents of an apartment complex fighting for survival during a monster apocalypse, delving into horror and human nature. Before you know it, you will be engrossed in how the story develops over each episode. Due to its success in the first season, more seasons were added to the lineup and now a total of 3 seasons have been released on Netflix. If you have not watched it yet, we highly recommend to try watching it!
If you are a fan of action, humor, and heartfelt genres, then you will certainly enjoy The Uncanny Counter. Played by Jo Byung-gyu, Kim Se-jeong, and Yoo Jun-sang, the drama is about a group of demon hunters, known as “Counters,” who work in a noodle shop by day and hunt down evil spirits by night. Each member possesses unique abilities, and they face various supernatural threats while protecting innocent lives. The Uncanny Counter has also gained massive popularity, resulting in a total of 2 seasons released on Netflix.
5. Advantages of Korean webtoons when learning Korean
Learning Korean can be fun and interactive through reading Korean webtoons. With a variety of genres, readers can choose topics that interest them, making the learning process more enjoyable. Moreover, visual learning makes it easier to understand context and meanings.
Many platforms offer English translations or bilingual versions, helping beginners to digest context better. Additionally, Korean webtoons often incorporate everyday dialogue, including slang, helping learners understand how Koreans speak in daily life.
Not only learning the language, but learners can also gain cultural insights like Korean culture, social norms, and values through webtoons as many webtoons reference trends, music, and societal issues.
To begin learning the basics of the Korean language, watch our reel on how to read and write Hangul easily.
The evolution and success of Korean webtoons have gained international acclaim, leading to increased interest in Korean culture and media. If you’re keen to study Korean or wish to live and study in Korea, be sure to contact us or follow our blog for the latest updates.
