Romance and fantasy are already two of the most popular media genres out there, but they're even better together. Romance usually offers an overall positive atmosphere and worldview, presenting an idealistic relationship and the opportunities that come with it. Audiences enjoy the possibility of love and happiness.

Related

8 Best Isekai Romance Manhwa

Even though Isekai Romance is arguably the most exploited genre in Manhwas, these are some of the best recommendations to read.

Placing these themes in a fantasy setting allows for more variety in character and plot. There's more room for interesting sources of conflict or more complex antagonists. The themes and lessons in romance can be expanded upon or emphasized with magical story elements, which is why these two genres work well together.

Updated June 8, 2024 by Garrett Huon: Because romantic fantasy is so common, the number of manhwa in that genre is always increasing. There have been many stand-out titles that have been released that deserve a place on this list but only had a few chapters, so it was hard to accurately judge them. This update will add stories that were excluded due to a lack of chapters, as well as popular fantasy romance manhwa that didn't quite make the cut the first time.

1 For My Derelict Favorite

MyAnimeList Score: 7.80

• Published: 2022 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation, Time Travel
• Author: Seonyu Kim
• Illustrator: Kimyong

After being transferred to her favorite novel, Hestia was content watching the story play without getting involved, but that changed when she realized her favorite character, Caelus, had not lived happily after the story ended. Determined to save his life, Hestia barges into the duke's home, declares herself the duchess, and starts taking care of him and his estate.

For My Derelict Favorite is a refreshing take on reincarnation that doesn't use the standard formula of similar stories, developing unique characters and circumstances that leave much to interpretation. It makes the developing relationship between Caelus and Hestia much more nuanced and interesting.

2 Happily Ever Afterwards

MyAnimeList Score: 7.80

• Chapters: 89
• Published: 2020 to 2022
• Genres/Theme: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Dotol Hwang
• Illustrator: Jeongseo

After being reincarnated into her favorite novel, Princess Peony takes the first chance she has to marry her favorite character Richt, the second male lead in the original story. He is banished to the north and suffers from heartbreak, so Peony decides to make him happy in any way possible, starting with marriage.

Many romance stories will often make a relationship start abruptly using a sense of inexplicable attraction or love at first sight. Happily Ever Afterwards is focused on the growing relationship between Peony and Richt, and their slow build-up of emotions is what makes the story so precious.

3 Secret Lady

MyAnimeList Score: 7.95

• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Anngato
• Illustrator: Banana

Much to her chagrin, Rosentine Arzen retained her ability to see ghosts from her past life, a power that led to a miserable existence. In her new life, Rosentine has loving parents and a sister she cares for, so she desperately hides her power. However, when the second prince Charteris Kartazen's life is in danger, she breaks her own rules to save his life.

This manhwa is a well-crafted story of political intrigue that contains many secrets and conspiracies, but despite its proficiency in developing suspense, the romance aspect does not suffer. Rather, Rosentine and Charteris slowly develop their relationship as mysteries are uncovered. It's an incredibly fun slow-burn romance.

4 The Broken Ring: This Marriage Will Fail Anyway

MyAnimeList Score: 7.97

• Published: 2022 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
• Author: Chacha Kim
• Illustrator: Cheong-gwa

Inés Valeztena is known as a dull and plain woman, but despite having no affection for anything, she chose Cárcel Escalante as her husband when she was a young girl. For Cárcel, having his partner determined since childhood led him to a life of promiscuity and womanizing. His feelings change when he realizes Inés doesn't care whether he's cheating or not.

Broken Ring is an intense and complex story that explores love and its relationship to trauma. This manhwa is a cycle of push and pull as Inés resists Cárcel's growing affection for her, a slow-burning romance that allows both characters to grow. It's one of the most well-written manhwa in the last two years.

5 Marriage Of Convenience

MyAnimeList Score: 7.98

• Published: 2022 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel
• Author: Ken
• Illustrator: Ant Studio

After suffering in her first life, Bianca di Blanchefort is sent back in time to when her husband, Zachary de Arno, is still alive. Determined to avoid a miserable death, she decides to have a child to cement her place as the count's wife. Due to his refusal, she is forced to find other means to survive.

Marriage of Convenience is a classic time travel romance where the changes in the second timeline lead to a fruitful relationship. However, unlike other stories, this one provides much-needed context for each character's change, presenting them as real people rather than caricatures of popular tropes.

6 Roxana

My AnimeList Score: 7.96

• Published: 2021 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Psychological, Villainess, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Kin
• Illustrator: Yeoreumbit

Suddenly trapped in the romance novel she read, the protagonist becomes Roxana Agriche, the daughter of an evil duke who has kidnapped the older brother of the original female lead. Since she's not the real Roxana, the protagonist decides to protect him. However, she must do it while acting just as cruel as her father.

This story is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, featuring two houses as mortal enemies and a pair of would-be lovers. However, Roxana and Cassis's relationship is much more tragic given one is a prisoner to the other. Despite that, they learn to trust each other. Because their characters have so much depth, their relationship feels more rewarding.

7 Witch Of Mine

My AnimeList Score: 7.97

• Chapters: 31
• Published: 2015 to 2018
• Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Heyoon
• Illustrator: MAS

Traditionally, witches are portrayed as evil beings who only care for themselves and curse innocents for the fun of it. In this story, those who know too much or are too pretty are regarded as witches. They are beautiful people who come back to life even if they die. They can create illusions, alter memories, and much more.

Related

9 Short Manhwa You Can Read In One Sitting

These manhwa are ideal for readers searching for interesting reads that won't require much time to finish.

This story isn't about their power. It's about their tragic love. As eternal beings, they are fated to lose loved ones endlessly. Since they aren't human, they can't understand humans and do things that seem wrong and twisted for the people they love. The display of these emotions is superbly portrayed in this short manhwa.

8 Kubera

My AnimeList Score: 7.98

• Published: 2010 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Currygom
• Illustrator: Currygom

After living peacefully for fifteen years, Kubera's life is changed when her village is destroyed by a red and gray monster. She survives with the help of Asha, a powerful magician. They escape together, and Kubera starts her journey towards revenge. Unbeknownst to her, she's part of a bigger picture, the centerpiece that will determine the fate of the world.

This manhwa is mostly adventure and action. There is some light romance. However, it's not expanded upon and appears rarely. Kubera is a great coming-of-age, adventure story, but for a main plot about lovers, other manhwa would be much better.

9 The Remarried Empress

My AnimeList Score: 8.04

• Published: 2019 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Alphatart
• Illustrator: Sumpul

Navier is the proud and strong empress known for her talent in politics and management. She's universally respected for her work and her beauty. However, not even she can go against the emperor, so when he brings in a concubine, there's nothing she can do. Not even when she's being pushed from her position.

This manhwa is full of political struggles and secrets to the point it gets a little confusing, but the relationships between all the characters are even worse. It's like a spiderweb with a string connecting everyone. That's not to say it's a bad story. It's just a lot to process.

10 Winter Woods

My AnimeList Score: 8.05

• Chapters: 55
• Published: 2014 to 2017
• Genres/Theme: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Romance
• Author: Cosmos
• Illustrator: VAN.J

The story of Frankenstein's monster is well known. Due to his hubris, the doctor dies at the hands of his creation. But what if, instead of a cold scientist, the monster met someone with more compassion? EL-10 is the product of dozens of experiments; an artificial "person" who can walk and talk.

To see if he can become "alive," he's given to children's novelist Jane, who is in a slump with her career. What unfolds is a tender story about their progress in understanding each other. However, with a serial killer on the loose, the winter might not be too peaceful.

11 A Stepmother's Märchen

My AnimeList Score: 8.12

• Published: 2019 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Time Travel, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Nyangi-wa Hyangsinnyo (Story)
• Illustrator: ORKA (Art)

After taking care of her stepchildren until they reached adulthood, Shuli believed she'd be able to rest. Unfortunately, her life ends suddenly, and she wakes up on the day of her husband's funeral many years prior. Her children never liked her, but at this point, their animosity was the highest.

Related

10 Best Historical Romance Manhwas

In the vast realm of Historical Romance, these Manhwas are a must-read that readers shouldn't miss out on.

This time travel story is more than a redo of past events. It's a mystery of Shuli's regression. It's a drama between family members who are scarred after a loved one's death. It's a romance between Shuli and all the young men who are interested in her. This manhwa has amazing depth with a lot to explore.

12 Your Throne

My AnimeList Score: 8.15

• Published: 2020 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Author: SAM
• Illustrator: SAM

Love triangles are common in romance novels and other media. The tension between three people and the opportunity to pick sides can be fun. Medea Solon and Psyche Callista compete to be the next Crown Princess. Despite being the best candidate, Medea is rejected in favor of Psyche. However, this love triangle has more going on.

There's drama, a body swap, and dark secrets at the heart of this story. They all help make this manhwa thrilling to read, leading the reader to discover the many twists and turns. As far as romance goes, Your Throne is one of the most exciting.

13 Why Raeliana Ended Up At The Duke's Mansion

My AnimeList Score: 8.16

• Chapters: 158
• Published: 2017 to 2021
• Genres/Themes: Fantasy, Romance, Isekai, Reincarnation
• Author: Milcha
• Illustrator: Gorae

After being pushed off a building, the protagonist wakes up as Raeliana, a minor noble lady who is a side character in a murder mystery novel. Of course, she is determined to prevent her death, so she asks the duke for a marriage contract. Unfortunately, the duke is not exactly normal and displays some questionable behavior.

The romance is quite slow in this story, but it's pushed along by greater conflict due to the original narrative changing. There is a subplot in the background regarding the protagonist's original death, but it's not explored in depth.

14 Villains Are Destined To Die

My AnimeList Score: 8.27

• Published: 2020 to Present
• Genres/Theme: Reverse Harem, Villainess, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
• Author: Gyeoeul Gwon
• Illustrator: SUOL

After playing a popular otome game at the hardest level, the protagonist was transported into the game with a real challenge for her. Becoming Penelope Eckhart, she must achieve a happy ending with at least one of the male leads. The problem is Penelope is the universally hated villain, meaning her likability with everyone is abysmal.

Related

14 Best Villainess Manhwa

Telling a story through the eyes of the antagonist, these villainess manga create fascinating characters and interesting worlds.

Often in stories like this, the game factor only serves as a way to make the main character powerful, but in this story, it's probably the biggest antagonist. Not only are events different from the original, but Penelope gets virtually no information. Her solutions to these problems are what make this story great.

15 Who Made Me A Princess

My AnimeList Score: 8.45

• Chapters: 125
• Published: 2017 to 2022
• Genres/Theme: Reincarnation, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance
• Authors: Plutus
• Illustrator: Spoon

Athanasia is the forgotten princess of the emperor, living in a desolate palace full of servants stealing for their own gain. When the main character is transported into her body, she is basically a baby and can't do much. However, Athy is destined to die at the end of her novel, but she's not going to wait for it. She starts hiding money for later.

Coincidentally, she meets her father, Claude, and they begin a lukewarm relationship. That's what most of the story is about. The romance is quite a minor detail in the story, but this narrative is highly regarded because of how well-written it is, displaying a dreamlike father-daughter relationship.

More

Best Anime Based On Manhwa

While most anime is based on manga, there are also some fantastic series that are based on Korean manhwa.