[Webtoon Review] 5 Webtoons to read to get a taste of Korean Culture

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Cat and Dog by Hee-Jung Park

Traditional Korean clothing, known as hanbok, is prominently featured in the webtoon Cat and Dog. It's a story about a young country girl named Young-Woo and brooding actor named Seul-Woo who enter into an arranged marriage. They are complete opposites from each other and essentially strangers but the more time they spend together, the deeper their relationship grows.  But of course, a series of complications threatens their happily-ever-after. It's a bright and pretty webtoon that will give you a look inside Korean traditions.

 

Shall We Have Dinner Tonight by See-In Park

Korean food is varied, adventurous and delicious and it's quickly becoming a global phenomenon. The webtoon Shall We Have Dinner Tonight? does a great job of meaningfully integrating food into the story of two broken hearts who become friends. They meet every week and discuss their lives, both past and present, over delicious meals. As a reader, you'll be drawn into this contemplative romance and grow hungry looking at the countless images of Korean food this webtoon has to offer. 

 

Twelfth Night by Muryu

Twelfth Night is a complicated web of love, betrayal and revenge as two brothers, one disguised as a woman, tries to take down the current king. Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is used as a framework for the story and though it's a work of fiction, the artwork is beautiful and detailed and together with the intricate plot, it gives the reader insight on the political structures that existed in the past and what that period of time may have looked like. This webtoon is an emotional rollercoaster that will not disappoint you. 

Peak by Sung Soo Hong and Ganghyuk Lim  

 

South Korea is one of the few countries in the world that has a mandatory military service that all young men over the age of 18 must serve. The webtoon Peak follows a group of five young men who get selected to serve as a part of a mountain rescue unit. The grueling job tests their physical and mental limits and gives the reader a glimpse into how difficult military life can be.  They are constantly confronted with new obstacles and they grow stronger and more mature with each passing day.  It's a satisfying journey to follow that is filled with adventure and action at every turn.   

 

Myojin Tales by Jelly Bean 

Korea has a rich library of folklore, myths and legends that intertwines history, culture and superstition. Myojin Tales uses these stories as inspiration as it explores the world of a fallen god who is willing to do whatever it takes to regain his place amongst the stars. This webtoon is dark and heavy as it delves into themes of fate, loss, death and good vs. evil. And as you read, a distinct sense of fear and anxiety will creep up on you but you'll find yourself so immersed in this world that you won't be able to stop reading.  

Read all of these titles and more over at Spottoon now!