Korean anime (aeni) is gaining more global attention than ever before, thanks to the success of manhwa and webtoon-based hits like Solo Leveling, Tower of God, and The God of High School. While these hit anime are still produced by Japanese studios like A1 Pictures and MAPPA, they have undeniably played a crucial role in bringing Korean animation into the spotlight.
Best Manhwa Like Solo Leveling You Should Read
Solo Leveling presents awesome fights, sensational developments, and incredible characters. Here are similar manhwa that embody these narratives.
And speaking of Korean animation, there are several standout series and films that many fans are still overlooking. From period drama-inspired stories to daring and thought-provoking films, these Korean anime represent the best examples of the country’s creativity and originality.
9
Olympus Guardian Reimagines Greek Gods Through Korean Animation
39 Episodes
Fans of Greek mythology are missing out on Olympus Guardian, a classic 39-episode Korean anime series that brings many of the beloved gods and goddesses to life in a fresh, animated retelling of classic myths. From Zeus to Hades, Olympus Guardian weaves a series of interconnected stories that highlight the strong personalities, rivalries, and struggles of the Greek gods.
There’s a lot to learn about Greek gods in Olympus Guardian, and even if the animation isn’t its strongest aspect, it still keeps each episode engaging from start to finish through different stories. Although the series is clearly geared toward a younger audience, it can still serve as an enjoyable introduction or quick fix for fans of Greek mythology-inspired anime.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Easy (7.5s)Medium (5.0s)Hard (2.5s)Permadeath (2.5s)
8
Noblesse: The Beginning of Destruction Brings a Short But Impactful Origin Story
1 OVA Episode
Before Production I.G. produced the 2016 and 2020 Noblesse anime adaptations, there was Studio Animal, a leading Korean animation studio, that released the first-ever anime adaptation of Noblesse back in 2015. While the OVA is only 37 minutes long, it adapted a crucial story in Cadis Etrama Di Raizel and Muzaka’s fierce rivalry before the present events of the later anime adaptations. Noblesse is set over 800 years in the past, offering a closer look at Rai’s relationship with Muzaka, Ashleen, and Frankenstein.
Noblesse: The Beginning of Destruction’s animation is not its biggest strength, but Studio Animal presented a decent episode where fans can finally witness Rai go all out against a worthy adversary. The fight scenes might not be flawless, but they still manage to deliver lots of impact. The OVA’s emotional storytelling also deserves recognition, adding more depth to Rai and Muzaka’s shared history.
7
True Beauty Brings Love, Beauty, and Change Together in One Story
13 Episodes
True Beauty is one of the most beloved rom-com manhwa of all time, gaining widespread popularity through its hit K-drama adaptation and its anime adaptation produced by Studio N and Cocktail Media, which premiered in August 2024. While the True Beauty anime is far from perfect, the adaptation deserves appreciation for its efforts to faithfully translate the source material on screen.
True Beauty is not overly complex and tells a simple and straightforward story about an ordinary girl who masters the art of makeup to make herself appear more attractive. She eventually becomes the most beautiful on campus, attracting the attention of not just one but two handsome boys who want to win her heart.
6
DOTA: Dragon’s Blood Explores a World of Magic, Monsters and War
24 Episodes
Even non-DOTA players would be impressed with Production Reve’s DOTA: Dragon’s Blood anime adaptation. Dragon’s Blood is loosely based on the highly popular strategy video game of the same name, featuring Davion the Dragon Knight and Mirana the Princess of the Moon, on a thrilling mission to defeat powerful creatures, including the deadliest demon of all.
DOTA: Dragon’s Blood is a fantasy adventure anime that doesn’t hold back in the action and violence department. While the animation may not fully meet everyone’s expectations, the series compensates with compelling characters that are not difficult to root for.
5
Yobi, The Five-Tailed Fox Offers a Ghibli-Like Fantasy Experience
1 Movie
While anime fans are very familiar with Nine-Tailed Demon Foxes, Korean folklore has its own version of a fox spirit – the Five-Tailed Fox, also known as the Kumiho (or Gumiho). In Yobi, The Five-Tailed Fox, the Five-Tailed Fox is Yobi, a 100-year-old Kumiho who, despite her age, remains young and immature at heart.
Yobi is an orphan who befriends aliens that crash-land on Earth, but her peaceful life with them in the forest is suddenly disrupted when one of her companions is captured by humans. Thus begins Yobi’s unfamiliar adventure in the human world, where she learns about human nature and emotions she has never encountered before. For Studio Ghibli fans, Yobi, The Five-Tailed Fox is a must-watch thanks to its beautiful animation, sympathetic protagonist, and overall heartwarming story inspired by Korean folk tales.
9 Best Chinese Anime, Ranked
While often overshadowed by Japanese anime, the peak of Chinese anime proves that China is starting to beat Japan at its own game.
4
Lookism Is a Short Korean Anime Packed With Relevant Themes
8 Episodes
Going into Lookism blind is one of the best ways to enjoy Studio Mir’s adaptation of the hit Korean series. Lookism is great from beginning to end, especially with its gorgeous character designs, decent animation, and strong focus on character-driven storytelling. There may be small changes between the anime and its source material, but they’re easy to overlook and do not take away from the overall experience.
Lookism is mostly set in a school environment, where the protagonist Daniel suddenly experiences a dramatic glow-up, drastically changing his appearance and how others perceive him. Lookism only has eight episodes, and each one blends humor, drama, and occasional action while also giving focus to its core themes such as bullying, social hierarchy, pretty privilege, and more.
3
Beauty Water Delivers a Disturbing Body Horror Anime Experience
1 Movie
Beauty Water is one of the best body horror anime movies of all time, and isn’t scared to show just how far humans are willing to change themselves to fit into society’s beauty standards through Yaeji’s drastic transformation.
Beauty Water tells the story of Yaeji, a young girl who comes across a cosmetic product that works like magic. By using Beauty Water, Yaeji can miraculously alter her appearance, almost as if her skin becomes clay, enabling dramatic and unsettling transformations that end up in a huge disaster.
2
Lost in Starlight Is a Top-Rated Korean Anime Film
1 Movie
Released in March 2025, Lost in Starlight is already one of the highest-rated Korean anime on MAL (7.90). Lost in Starlight is a critically acclaimed anime movie, celebrated for its beautiful and colorful animation, strong art direction, well-developed characters, and phenomenal soundtrack.
Lost in Starlight tells a deeply moving story about a scientist and a musician who form an intimate connection despite being separated by Earth and space. Each character has a deeper story to tell, and Lost in Starlight‘s nuanced handling of their emotions makes the experience all the more heartfelt.
1
Devil May Cry Delivers a Unique and Stylish Anime Adaptation
Studio Mir’s Devil May Cry may have strayed from the game’s original lore, but the series offers outstanding animation, excellent music, cinematic storytelling, unexpected references, and a fresh take on Dante’s character. The character designs in Devil May Cry are unique and sophisticated, allowing fans to see them in a different light.
The series also gives underrated DMC characters a chance to shine in the anime, allowing them to receive more depth and development. Devil May Cry has recently released its second season, and it goes without saying that it continues to move in the right direction. Fans have mostly received the series positively – especially Season 2 – showing just how successful Studio Mir’s adaptation has become.
