“Fantasy is hardly an escape from reality. It’s a way of understanding it.”

-Lloyd Alexander

Manhwa: the artistic comic adaptations of Korean web novels. They come in a variety of genres: horror, fantasy, historical, action, comedy, anything…you name it! In a sense, you could say manhwa is similar to manga, it is basically the same idea but from a different culture. Now with that being said, what makes manhwa so special? To me, reading manhwa has become a big part of my life. The engaging stories and gorgeous artwork relieves me of stress and allows me to relax. It is basically my escape from reality whenever times get tough. As I engage in the many genres that I could possibly come across, I have come to find that my favorite genres typically fall under historical romance and action. Now it may sound a little cliché and stereotypical,

“Oh, of course a girl would be obsessed with princesses, princes, kingdoms, and romance.”

“She is just rambling about her excessive interest in Korean manhwas.”

Although that thought is not wrong, having something that you genuinely enjoy and look forward to is always comforting. The podcast, “The Mojave Phone Booth,” allows me to demonstrate this thought. After Godfrey Daniels discovered the mysterious booth, he would continuously dial it. A month in, Daniels finally heard the person on the other end. His perseverance and excitement in getting an answer out of this booth continuously piqued his interest. To me, reading manhwas is when someone answered the booth. Once the plot unfolds, you are immersed in this “other” reality; wanting to see more and learn what is to come. Once you reach the end, there is a bittersweet feeling of satisfaction and sadness. 

As I wrap up my thoughts, I am left with the final question, “Why manhwa?” To put it bluntly, as I grow up, I start to realize, “…I am moved not so much by any sense of my young self but by a sense of responsibility,” as school and everyday life has just become a routine. In a way, I find myself relating to the main character; by enjoying the subtle hobbies in life which are able to help us relax in times of need. In this case, like the main character finds an escape in reading novels, I find my escape in reading manhwas. Eventually, the buildup of pressure from parents when they say, “you need to do well to get a good job and be happy or you need to get good grades,” when they need to get through their heads that, “you don’t need that much money, you just need some food, shelter, and a reason to be alive [to be happy].”

In the end, to find something you find comfort and passion in is to take care of yourself; to take care of yourself is to learn that YOU come first. Find something that you enjoy doing. Whether it be watching movies, reading books, exercising, or even reading manhwas. With time, you will come to find that life is all the more enjoyable.

Just for fun! Here are some manhwas I recommend! 🙂