Over the past few years, manhwa has become super popular because it’s got a little something for everyone. Just like manga, webtoons are packed with amazing LGBTQ+ stories.
They’ve got characters that are deep and interesting, relationships that keep you hooked, and messages that really hit home.
Manhwa has some of the finest stories about women who love other women. But, sadly, a lot of big media outlets don’t give them the attention they deserve.
Manhwa like Pulse, Her Tale of Shim Chong, or What Does the Fox Say? tell beautiful love stories between women, but they’re not just about romance.
They stand out because they’re more than that. Some are super relatable, others are as steamy as they come, and some are packed with drama. Whatever you’re into, there’s a fantastic GL manhwa out there for you.
1) SQ: Begin W/Your Name
SQ Begin W/ Your Name is a popular Chinese manhua created by Tan Jiu, which originally debuted on Tan Jiu’s Weibo and Twitter accounts in 2014.
It later found its way onto Tencent’s ACQQ app and was eventually published in Japan by Kadokawa. However, despite its popularity, an English publisher has yet to pick it up.
The story follows middle schoolers Sung Jin and Qui Tong as they navigate their relationship while being surrounded by friends.
Sung Jin may have found the girl of her dreams, but their first meeting didn’t go well. In fact, it was so bad that Qui Tong started avoiding the bus stop where they first met.
Later, when Sung Jin sees Qui Tong struggling with groceries, she tries to help, but only ends up scaring her more. Despite eventually becoming friends, transitioning to a romantic relationship won’t be easy.
2) Her Tale of Shim Chong
Her Tale of Shim Chong draws inspiration from an ancient Korean folktale, portraying Shim Chong, a destitute beggar responsible for caring for her blind father.
Despite their contrasting backgrounds, Shim Chong finds herself enamored with Chancellor Jang’s future bride.
The story unfolds as the two women discover commonalities and go on a heartwarming love story that transcends societal barriers.
This outstanding historical GL manhwa is a standout among girl-love webtoons. While Shim Chong’s story carries tragic elements, her romance with Jang’s bride brings a lighthearted balance to the series.
Their star-crossed lovers’ tale is filled with drama that will attract fans, yet it manages to avoid dampening spirits, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling and uplifting narrative.
3) Pulse
Pulse, by Ratana Satis, is a gripping love story about two women who are total opposites. Mel is a surgeon who’s not big on commitment but enjoys casual relationships.
On the other hand, Lynn is open about her feelings, but she’s dealing with a serious heart condition that holds her back from fully living life.
When they cross paths at the hospital, where Mel is treating Lynn, their lives take a meaningful turn for the better.
Pulse is a lovely GL manhwa that tells the story of two women who are total opposites but click right from the start.
Their romance is super relatable and just downright adorable. Plus, Lynn’s illness adds a dramatic touch that’ll have readers feeling all sorts of emotions right from the first episode.
4) Soulmate
In SQ, the lovers’ journey begins with an awkward and comedic meet-cute. However, Soulmate takes a more emotional approach, raising the stakes while still offering beautiful moments that tug at fans’ heartstrings.
In the present day, Yu Qi and Yuanzi enjoy a strong relationship. Yet, their world is shattered when Yuanzi receives a terminal illness diagnosis, leaving them both devastated as they realize their time together is limited.
After falling asleep in Yuanzi’s arms, Yu Qi wakes up to find herself back in her high school days before she met Yuanzi.
Filled with determination, she sets out to find Yuanzi and prevent her from falling ill. However, as she tries to alter the future, her past self inhabits her adult body and must navigate the present circumstances.
5) Moonlight Garden
In Moonlight Garden, the Flower Maidens are renowned for their ability to provide unparalleled intimate pleasure once they bloom.
Dohwa, a maiden who has yet to bloom, is determined to escape her life in the brothel by concocting potions. However, her secret is discovered one night by Lady Hyewon, the Garden’s newest Mistress.
Initially disdainful of Dohwa’s presence, Lady Hyewon finds herself challenged by Dohwa’s quick wit and sharp tongue, despite Dohwa’s lower social standing.
Their initial meeting takes an unexpected turn when Dohwa pushes Hyewon into a pool, challenging Hyewon’s dignity as a noblewoman.
Despite feeling affronted, Hyewon can’t shake her intrigue for Dohwa. Moonlight Garden attracts readers with its mysterious and steamy premise, drawing them in and keeping them hooked.
This GL manhwa is geared towards an adult audience, offering an enticing and immersive reading experience.
6) Getting To Know Grace
Getting To Know Grace is an interesting GL historical drama that delves into the intricacies of love and resentment.
The story revolves around Andrew, the ailing daughter of the Grace family, and Herta, her devoted maid whom Andrew deeply loves.
However, unbeknownst to Andrew, the Grace family is responsible for Herta’s past hardships, fueling underlying tension in their relationship.
As their romance unfolds, the complexities of love and resentment come to the forefront, adding depth to this compelling manhwa.
Getting To Know Grace stands out as a compelling GL manhwa with its distinctive historical backdrop. It delves into the depths of Andrew’s devotion to Herta and questions whether Herta reciprocates Andrew’s feelings.
This dark tale explores the perspectives of both main characters rather than solely focusing on one, adding layers of complexity to their relationship and the story as a whole.
7) Lily
In the high school-based manhua Lily, the story revolves around two contrasting characters: the prim and proper schoolgirl Fan Yilin and the tomboy Lan Ruoxi.
Their initial meeting is far from ideal, as Yilin accidentally bumps into Ruoxi, and then Ruoxi overhears Yilin speaking about her behind her back.
Despite this rocky start, there is something about Ruoxi that captures Yilin’s attention and remains on her mind.
Each time Yilin sees Ruoxi, her heart begins to race, and she feels flushed and flustered. Yilin finds herself drawn to Ruoxi, but she questions why.
What is it about Ruoxi that stirs such intense feelings? As she navigates her emotions, Yilin wonders if she can confess before her friend does.
The story unfolds gently, portraying the sweet journey of two girls discovering love in each other’s company.
8) Ring My Bell
Mai Sohn, a writer aiming to craft a webcomic on relationships, finds herself in a rut after her recent breakup leaves her unable to see love in a positive light.
However, her perspective begins to shift when her neighbor, Lee Chungyeon, enters her life. Despite a rocky start, they soon realize they share many common interests and experiences, sparking a newfound connection between them.
Ring My Bell offers a delightful rom-com experience that’s perfect for fans of the genre. The interactions between Mai and Lee start off a bit awkward but quickly become adorable.
Both characters are incredibly charming, making it easy for readers to cheer for them right from the start.
Witnessing Mai’s journey as her perspective on love gradually softens and becomes more positive thanks to her relationship with Lee is heartwarming and uplifting.
9) Opium Rank
In 1946 Korea, an American doctor named Maria Arden journeys through a country torn apart by war. She encounters Dr. Kyeongju Lee, a Korean woman, and sparks fly between them, leading to a passionate love affair.
This manhwa explores their intricate relationship set against the backdrop of the illegal opium trade of the era.
Opium is considered one of the top GL manhwa because of the powerful and deeply emotional connection between the main couple, Maria and Kyeongju.
Their affair is both sweet and passionate, with sizzling chemistry evident in every scene. What makes Opium even more interesting is its historical backdrop set in 1940s Korea.
Intertwined with the intrigue of the illicit opium trade, adding layers of complexity to this compelling historical drama.
10) A Joyful Life
Despite its seemingly ironic title, A Joyful Life delves into themes of abuse and the challenges of adult life.
However, it also explores the journey of reconnecting with old crushes and find a new paths toward happiness.
In this manhwa, the darker aspects of life serve as the soil from which the sweetest moments can grow and flourish.
Through its exploration of both the grim and uplifting aspects of existence, A Joyful Life offers a nuanced and poignant portrayal of the human experience.
Joy Ahn, a typical office worker, feels dissatisfied with her life both at home and at work. She keeps a bag packed under her desk, ready to go on a trip at a moment’s notice.
However, the opportunity never arises until she reconnects with her old school crush, Aerie Park. Aerie, who is openly lesbian, had left town after her family discovered her kissing a girl in public.
As Joy and Aerie reconnect, Joy begins to believe that she may finally have the chance to take that trip she’s been longing for, as long as she can overcome the obstacles in her path and if Aerie is willing to join her.
11) What Does the Fox Say?
A popular classic GL manhwa, What Does the Fox Say? spins a love triangle involving three women: Sumin and Seju, a couple facing challenges, and Sung-ji, a newcomer at their gaming company.
This steamy webtoon delves into the intense sexual dynamics between the trio while also exploring their emotional depths. It’s a story that skillfully balances passion with raw, heartfelt moments.
What Does the Fox Say?, also known as WDFS, boasts fantastic artwork, lively characters, and plenty of sizzling sexual tension to keep readers hooked.
While it’s not suitable for minors, adult readers seeking a mature girl love romance will find it satisfying, especially since many yuri manga tend to focus on high school settings.
12) Miss Angel and Miss Devil
It’s unfortunate that Miss Angel and Miss Devil hasn’t received an official English translation yet. While fan translations can sometimes be rough around the edges, dedicated readers may still find enjoyment in the series.
Despite the translation challenges, Miss Angel and Miss Devil offers a compelling supernatural fantasy tale, depicting angels who aren’t always angelic and devils who aren’t inherently evil.
It’s a unique twist on the conventional portrayal of celestial beings that’s worth exploring for fans of the genre.
In Miss Angel and Miss Devil, Haki is expected to lead humans into temptation and sin as a devil, but she’s actually a kind-hearted individual who prefers tending to her flowers.
On the other hand, Hiskya is an angel who is just as virtuous as the next celestial being, but she often exhibits eccentric behavior and enjoys teasing others, including Haki, despite being a literal devil.
Despite their apparent differences, the two characters form a cute and endearing couple in this charming and lighthearted romantic comedy with a divine theme.
13) The Love Doctor
The Love Doctor follows Erae Jung, a girl eager for a relationship but unsure how to flirt or meet potential partners.
To remedy this, she hires Yoon Cha, a love doctor, to teach her the ropes. However, in a heartwarming turn of events, the two end up falling in love with each other as they navigate the world of romance together.
The Love Doctor stands out as one of the most romantic GL manhwa, despite its unique premise. The story feels surprisingly relatable, as Erae and Yoon navigate their unconventional relationship dynamic.
Watching their emotions evolve and seeing Erae come to terms with her own sexuality and feelings is something many readers will connect with on a personal level.
14) Baili Jin Among Mortals
In Baili Jin Among Mortals, the main character, Baili Jin, is a fairy who finds herself banished to the human realm after accidentally breaking a priceless stained-glass plate belonging to her Majesty.
To return to Heaven, she must complete certain tasks, but her mission is unclear. Stripped of her powers and lacking direction, Baili Jin takes up delivering take-out to make ends meet.
Soon, she forms a close bond with Muxi, the compassionate manager of the restaurant where she works.
The relationship dynamics in Baili Jin Among Mortals move it to one of the top GL manhwa, and this holds true even for the side couple.
Fans are just as enamored with the dynamic between Menghi and Buyi as they are with Jin and Muxi.
Both couples are enjoyable to watch and easy to root for, and the adorable story is complemented by the soft and charming art style of Baili Jin Among Mortals.
15) My Dear Enemy
In the popular romantic comedy manhua My Dear Enemy, the classic trope of opposites attracting takes center stage, along with themes of first love and a workplace setting.
Despite being rivals, sparks fly between the two protagonists, leading to a fiery office romance. A drunken night serves as the catalyst, bringing them closer together despite their differences.
With humor and charm, My Dear Enemy explores the unexpected connections that can blossom between unlikely pairs.
When Shen learns that she has placed second in the employee ranking, she spirals into despair and ends up drowning her sorrows, becoming a drunken mess.
Unsure of how to handle the situation, her coworkers are at a loss. Fortunately, Jiang, her long-time rival, steps in and offers to take her home.
However, upon their arrival, Shen surprises Jiang by planting a deep kiss on her, a moment that both of them unexpectedly enjoy.
What initially appears to be a drunken encounter soon evolves into something more meaningful as Shen sobers up.
16) Relationship Guidelines
In Relationship Guidelines, Jiwon finds herself in a tricky situation with her longtime friend Myeong-In. They have been friends since childhood, but things become complicated when they enter high school.
One day, Myeong-In dares Jiwon to kiss her, and Jiwon, feeling pressured, complies. However, afterward, Jiwon begins to distance herself from Myeong-In, unsure of how to navigate their changed relationship dynamic.
Frustrated by the growing distance between them, Jiwon attempts to bridge the gap with Myeong-In, but their efforts only seem to make things more awkward.
As they struggle to address their misunderstandings, their feelings for each other become increasingly complex. What started as a playful kiss ignites a spark between them that refuses to be extinguished.
Despite their attempts to suppress it, their relationship teeters on the edge of platonic friendship and gradually leans towards a passionate and romantic connection.
17) The Glass
In The Glass, romance takes a twist when a humble office worker finds herself in unexpected circumstances. Lara is on the hunt for a job after completing her internship six months ago.
However, potential employers seem more interested in her engagement to her fiancé, Mark, than her professional skills.
Frustrated with this dynamic, Lara decides to remove her engagement ring before a job interview to avoid the usual conversations. But as soon as she does, a car speeds towards her, changing everything in an instant.
Thankfully, Lara emerges unharmed from the incident, only to encounter Suni, a member of the popular pop group The Glass, stepping out of the car.
To Lara’s surprise, Suni is actually her childhood friend. Lara’s life takes a sudden turn as Suni offers her a job as her new manager.
On the surface, Lara is just part of the team helping The Glass pursue their dream of winning a Grammy.
However, Suni harbors a secret motive: she has been in love with Lara since their childhood days and is determined to fulfill their childhood promise of marriage.
18) Swallow Tail
During a GL photoshoot, Chae-yeon Kang encounters another actress who appears to recognize her. To Kang’s surprise, the woman reveals herself as Seung-ha Sohn, Kang’s childhood friend.
However, in fourth grade, Sohn was a male bully who made Kang feel uncomfortable. Now, many years later, they cross paths again, with Sohn transformed into a stunning and playful woman.
Despite Kang’s conflicted feelings towards Sohn due to their past, she finds herself intrigued and flustered by her.
Matters become even more complex when Kang is unknowingly invited by Sohn to appear on a variety show, bringing them closer together.
Swallow Tail is an exceptional GL manhwa with stunning artwork that is sure to attract readers and keep them intrigued.
19) Don’t Fall in Love!
After losing her job at a convenience store, Jeong Hyun secures a position as a manager at a talent agency. Her first client is Hee Ra, a renowned actress with striking pink hair, who instantly captures Hyun’s heart.
However, as Hyun gets to know Hee Ra beyond her public persona, she discovers a different side to her that confuses her feelings.
Knowing the risks of workplace romances, especially considering her history of falling for appearances and getting hurt, Hyun tries to conceal her growing affection for Hee Ra.
Don’t Fall in Love! unfolds as a enemies-to-friends-to-lovers tale starring Jeong Hyun and Hee Ra. Fans of this dynamic will be enchanted by their journey.
Hee Ra’s mysterious and distant demeanor initially complicates Hyun’s efforts to connect with her, but as their relationship evolves, it becomes an unforgettable GL manhwa filled with depth and charm.
20) Exit’s That Way
Cha Hong, a bright and eager assistant director, dreams of making it big in the film industry and seeing her name on the silver screen in Exit’s That Way.
Passionate about filmmaking, she’s thrilled at the opportunity to assist in directing. However, on her first day, she’s assigned to handle the notorious actress Seung-ah and her difficult attitude instead.
Cha Hong’s responsibilities of overseeing Seung-ah extend beyond the set, leading to them living together. Managing Seung-ah’s erratic behavior, including her frequent outings and prickly attitude, proves challenging for Cha Hong.
Despite the initial difficulties, their shared circumstances gradually bring them closer, fostering a bond between them.
Although the series was discontinued after its second season due to the author’s health issues, Exit’s That Way remains a GL manhwa well worth reading for its compelling storyline and character development.
21) Mojito
Love is never easy, especially when one is in the public eye. In Mojito, Xiao Zhong, a renowned supermodel, finds herself outed as a lesbian when she’s photographed kissing her sharp-witted lawyer.
Marissa, on the street after a major show. The images of their kiss quickly spread across the internet, the press, and beyond, leading to immense pressure from their employers, families, and the public to end their relationship.
Despite the pressure to end their relationship, Xiao Zhong and Marissa refuse to see any reason why they should. They are deeply in love and have been dating for a while already.
Mojito beautifully illustrates how love can triumph over even the most significant obstacles, especially between two women in the entertainment industry.
Like a mojito, their love cannot be easily dismissed until it’s fully experienced and enjoyed.
22) Sea of June
Sea of June diverges from the norm as a somewhat risqué historical tale set in Busan in 1936, during Korea’s occupation by Japan.
The country wouldn’t regain its freedom for another nine years, and even then, achieving peace would take considerable time.
For the story’s protagonist, Yeon Jeong, this prolonged period is too long to find a place where she belongs.
Feeling disconnected from her peers and listless in her surroundings, Yeon Jeong’s life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a mermaid.
The mermaid claims to have come to fulfill a promise to Yeon and offers to take her to a place where eternal happiness lies.
With no other prospects, Yeon is tempted to follow the mermaid into the ocean in search of a place where she truly belongs.
However, she can’t help but wonder if she can trust the mermaid’s promise. As enticing as it sounds, deals that seem too good to be true often come with a catch.
23) Salieri & Mozart
Despite its title, Salieri & Mozart is not a historical tale. If it were, it would also need to be gender-swapped.
Instead, it draws a comparison between the two composers by focusing on high school swimmers Kim Na-Ra and Oh Ha-Yun.
For Kim, the pool is like a second home, where swimming feels as natural as breathing. She is on track to represent Korea at the national level.
Kim’s world is turned upside down when Oh arrives and breaks Kim’s swimming record on her very first day. Unlike Kim, who swims with natural talent and dedication, Oh swims merely as a hobby.
However, her innate ability proves to be a formidable rival to the school’s top swimmers. Determined to reclaim her position, Kim sets her sights on defeating Oh in competition.
Yet, as their rivalry unfolds, Kim comes to realize that talent isn’t the only factor at play. Like Salieri, Kim finds herself both resenting and admiring the Mozart-like Oh, leading to a complex and tangled relationship between the two swimmers.
24) Would you? Could you?
Unlike many romance manhwa, Would you? Could you? doesn’t center around just one couple. Instead, it explores the tangled love triangle involving Saeha, Yunseo, and Juna, Yunseo’s former flame.
Even though Juna is married with kids, Yunseo finds her old feelings resurfacing. Meanwhile, Saeha finds herself drawn to Yunseo, unable to resist pursuing her affections.
As the story unfolds in Would You? Could You?, things get increasingly tangled between Saeha, Yunseo, and Juna, so if you’re looking for a feel-good story, this might not be it.
However, the intense tension among these three women and the deep character development make it a truly interesting read.
Despite the complications, Would You? Could You? offers one of the most gripping and satisfying experiences among GL manhwa.
25) My Princess Charming
Juna, a 21-year-old woman, feels uneasy about her popularity with men until she encounters the charming Min.
However, there’s a twist Min isn’t a guy she’s a girl who happens to be a lesbian. To help Juna deal with the unwanted attention, the two women decide to pretend to be in a relationship.
As they continue the charade, their fake relationship gradually transforms into something genuine and meaningful.
My Princess Charming cleverly explores one of the most beloved romantic tropes: fake dating. With each episode, Juna and Min find themselves in increasingly awkward situations.
Yet their connection deepens, attracting readers along the way. This GL manhwa beautifully incorporates a widely adored trope to craft and compelling love story.
26) Girl In The Birdcage
At the prestigious Yeonkwang Arts High School, talent reigns supreme, granting privileges and connections to the fortunate few while leaving lower-class students with little hope of advancement.
Chung-en, one of the talented students, experiences a shift in perspective when she develops feelings for Yumi, a student relegated to the lower class.
This unexpected romance challenges the power dynamics at the school and prompts Chung-en to question the inequalities that exist within its walls.
Yumi’s act of saving Chung-en sparks an unexpected attraction between them, but Yumi also harbors resentment toward Chung-en for being among the Talented students.
Despite Chung-en’s genuine affection for Yumi, the hierarchy at Yeonkwang Arts School introduces a layer of uncertainty, as Yumi may exploit Chung-en’s feelings for her own advantage.
Girl In The Birdcage delivers a compelling GL manhwa experience, filled with twists and surprises that keep readers engaged and eager for more.