“Manhwas raw” refer to the original, untranslated versions of Korean comics. These comics are published in Korean and are often released in their raw format before official or fan-made translations become available. Unlike manga (Japanese comics), manhwas typically read from left to right, making them more accessible for international readers unfamiliar with traditional manga styles.
Many fans turn to raw manhwa chapters to stay ahead of ongoing storylines, especially when official translations lag behind the Korean releases. Raw chapters are often uploaded right after their release in Korea, giving fans an early glimpse into the latest plots, twists, and cliffhangers.
Where to Read Manhwas Raw Online (Top Sites)
1. Top Free Platforms for Manhwas Raw
If you’re looking to read raw manhwas for free, several online communities and websites share the latest chapters shortly after release. Here are a few user-favorite options:
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NewToki: A long-standing hub for Korean readers, it provides thousands of manhwa titles in their raw format.
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Manhwa18: Known for its adult-themed and mature titles, it also offers popular action and romance manhwas.
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Toonkor: This site hosts a wide variety of Korean webtoons and manhwas, sorted by genre and popularity.
⚠️ Note: Many free sites operate in legal gray areas and may include pop-up ads or harmful links. Use ad-blockers and anti-virus software for protection.
2. Premium Raw Manhwa Sources
While free sites are accessible, paid platforms often provide better quality, quicker updates, and support for creators. Consider these:
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KakaoPage: One of the most popular platforms in South Korea. Requires a Korean phone number for verification.
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Naver Webtoon (KR version): Features hundreds of raw webtoons in high resolution. The platform is legal and artist-friendly.
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Lezhin Comics (KR): Offers mature and exclusive manhwa content not available on other platforms.
3. Fastest Update Sites
Speed matters when chasing cliffhangers. The following are known for lightning-fast updates:
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Rawkuma: Updated within hours of release.
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Asura Scans (Raw Section): Known for scanlations, but they also post raw leaks.
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Manhwa Raw: Specifically tailored for early raw releases.
How to Access and Understand Raw Manhwa
1. Tips for Navigating Korean Raw Sites
If you’re not familiar with Korean, navigating raw manhwa websites can be tricky. Use these tips:
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Use Google Chrome with auto-translate enabled.
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Search for titles using Hangul (Korean characters) to get accurate results.
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Bookmark pages with visual covers to recognize titles more easily.
2. Tools to Translate Korean Comics
Understanding raw content is the real challenge. Fortunately, several tools can help:
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Papago (by Naver): Offers better Korean-to-English translation than Google Translate.
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OCR Tools (like Google Lens): Allow users to scan text in images and translate on the fly.
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Manga Translation Bots: Some Discord servers use bots to translate chapters in real-time.
3. Legal and Ethical Considerations
Always be mindful of the creators’ rights. Many raw manhwa sites are not licensed and do not compensate the authors. If you’re able, support the official releases when they become available in your language.
Popular Genres in Manhwas Raw (2025 Trends)
1. Action & Martial Arts
These remain at the top of the popularity chart, thanks to titles like:
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Solo Leveling (나 혼자만 레벨업)
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Nano Machine
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Return of the Mount Hua Sect
These series showcase sharp visuals, dynamic fights, and thrilling power progressions.
2. Romance & Slice of Life
Heartfelt stories and everyday drama dominate this category. Top picks include:
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What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?
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A Business Proposal
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My ID is Gangnam Beauty
These offer relatable characters and beautifully illustrated emotions.
3. Fantasy & Isekai
Korean webtoons love this genre. 2025 is seeing a rise in:
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Reincarnation stories
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Villainess redemption arcs
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Magic academy sagas
Some new titles already buzzing in raw form include I Tamed a Tyrant and Ran Away and The World After the Fall.
Is Reading Manhwas Raw Legal?
The legality of reading manhwas raw online depends on the source. Official platforms like Naver, Lezhin, and KakaoPage are 100% legal, offering both raw and translated content. However, unlicensed aggregator websites that post pirated raw content violate copyright laws.
Reading from unofficial sources may not only harm the industry but also expose users to malware. To enjoy manhwa guilt-free:
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Subscribe to legal webtoon platforms.
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Support the creators through purchases or donations.
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Promote awareness about piracy in fan communities.
FAQs About Manhwas Raw
1. What does “raw” mean in manhwa?
“Raw” means the manhwa is in its original, unedited Korean form without translation.
2. Are raw manhwas ahead of English releases?
Yes, raw chapters are usually released first in Korea, often weeks or even months before English versions.
3. Can I translate raw manhwa myself?
Yes, using OCR and AI tools like Google Lens or Papago, though results may vary in accuracy.
4. Are raw manhwa sites safe to use?
Not all of them. Free sites can have malicious ads. Always use protection tools like ad blockers and antivirus software.
5. What are the best raw manhwa genres right now?
Action, romance, and fantasy remain the top-performing genres in raw manhwas in 2025.
6. Is it legal to read manhwa raws online for free?
Only if it’s from licensed platforms. Most free raw sites operate in a legal gray area or are outright pirated.
