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South Korean Cartoons: Manhwa vs Webtoons Explained

What are South Korean cartoons called?

South Korean cartoons are most commonly called manhwa (만화). The word “manhwa” is a broad term that can cover many formats—printed comics, web-based comics, and illustrated storytelling more generally—similar to how “comics” is used in American English.

When people specifically mean South Korean online comics designed for phone-friendly scrolling, the popular term is webtoons. Webtoons are often a subset of manhwa, but in everyday conversation (especially outside Korea), “webtoon” has become the go-to label for Korean digital comics and series published on platforms like Naver WEBTOON and Kakao Webtoon.

Manhwa vs. webtoons: what’s the difference?

Manhwa describes Korean comics overall and can include traditional print volumes, magazines, and digital releases. You’ll see it used for everything from classic titles to modern genres like romance, fantasy, and action.

Webtoons refers to a format and distribution style: vertical scrolling episodes released digitally, often in full color, and commonly updated on a schedule. Many webtoons later get printed or adapted into K-dramas, animated series, or films, which is part of why the word has become so widely recognized.

Are South Korean cartoons the same as anime?

Not exactly. Anime typically refers to animation from Japan, while South Korea’s comics are called manhwa (and many are webtoons). South Korea also produces animation, sometimes called “Korean animation” or “K-animation,” but the question usually points to comics rather than animated TV shows.

More Korean style inspiration

Korean pop culture often goes hand-in-hand with modern home aesthetics—clean lines, smart storage, and minimal clutter. For a home-focused look at Korean-inspired design, visit this guide to a Korean cartoon nightstand and modern bedside storage.

For South Korean Cartoons: Manhwa vs Webtoons Explained, the best answer depends on fit, material, care instructions, and how the product will be used day to day.

FAQ

What is the difference between manhwa and manga?

Manhwa is Korean comics, while manga is Japanese comics. They can share genres and storytelling influences, but they come from different countries and publishing traditions.