For those who don’t yet know what is Murim Manhwa, it’s a type of Korean comic that focuses on martial arts and action. The term “Murim” refers to the world of martial arts in Korean culture. So, a Murim Manhwa with an OP MC would be a Korean comic that revolves around martial arts, and action, and features a protagonist who is incredibly powerful or skilled in combat.
In the world of Murim Manhwa, there is no shortage of stories featuring protagonists with unparalleled power and skill. From the depths of the underworld to the peaks of the mountains, these legendary warriors leave a trail of destruction in their wake. However, only a select few can claim the title of the “Best Murim Manhwa with OP MC.” These exceptional works of art combine masterful storytelling with stunning artwork to transport readers to a world of endless possibility, where battles are fought with swords and fists, and the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of a single hero.
In this article, I will take a deep dive into the 20 top Murim Manhwa with OP MC and explore what makes them stand out from the rest. Ready?
20. Star Instructor, Master Baek
Starting this list with OP MC, Star Instructor, Master Baek is a manhwa about a martial arts instructor from the Blood Demon Cult who learns the artform from four captured murim masters after his qi center is destroyed. However, the cult eventually betrays him, and he dies along with everyone else. He then wakes up in the body of Baek Suryong, a young martial arts instructor in the rural countryside with a deadly disease. In order to save his life, he embarks on a journey to become the Star Instructor of the Azure Dragon Martial Arts Academy and earn enough money to cure his disease.
Along the way, he discovers future rivals, uncovers sinister plots, and finds ways to make himself even stronger. He also aims to pass on his knowledge to worthy disciples, shaping the future generation of murim masters.
“Star Instructor, Master Baek” features intense action scenes with revenge plots and overpowered anti-heroes.
19. Memoir of the God of War
So, there’s this guy, Dan Sa Yu, he’s a descendant of Goryeo, and he is not one to mess with. He’s got a friend that he treasures the most, and he’s not afraid to reprimand the Central District for their sake. And when it comes to battle, he reigns supreme. No one can stop him, not even the Cheonpo Armed Forces, which are supposedly the greatest martial arts of Goryeo. But hey, the legend of Cheonpo Armed Forces lives on, just like the history of the King of War.
“Memoir of the God of War” has its highs and lows. While the latter part of the murim manhwa is decent enough, the initial first chapters felt tedious to get through.
One of the major drawbacks is the author’s slow pace, it was hard to gauge the direction of the story. Too many lackluster naming conventions for characters and locations. The exposition was overwhelming and left me trying to fill in the gaps.
Despite this, it has some redeeming qualities. The art is a standout feature that deserves recognition. The characters, while somewhat generic, are still likable, with the protagonist being easy to empathize with.
18. Demonic Master of Mount Kunlun
“Demonic Master of Mount Kunlun”, focuses on a young man named Yuan Cheng who is possessed by a demonic spirit and becomes the master of Mount Kunlun.
As the new master, he gains immense power and influence but also attracts the attention of various martial arts factions who seek to challenge him. As he navigates the political and power struggles of the martial arts world, Yuan Cheng also seeks to uncover the truth about his own past and the origins of the demonic spirit inside him. The murim manhwa features intense action scenes and explores themes such as power, morality, and identity. I, for one, loved it!
17. Undefeatable Swordsman
Wumoon song is a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest martial artist of all time. But, there’s a little problem – he’s as fragile as a porcelain doll. However, fate has something interesting in store for him. One day, a mysterious guest checks into the hotel where Wumoon works and leaves behind a painting as payment. Wumoon becomes obsessed with the painting and stares at it for hours. And, voila! Magic happens, and he suddenly develops the skills and strength of an OP martial artist. It’s like he ate some spinach like Popeye and turned it into a fighting machine.
Now, Wumoon is ready to begin his epic journey of kicking some serious butt. He transforms from a skinny, frail boy to a muscular, tough fighter. It’s like he went through a rapid body transformation program without paying any fees. This story is so awesome; it’s like a mix of Peerless Dad and the Karate Kid. And, the best part? Wumoon’s family is alive and kicking, and they’re all badasses too. This is a family that can give the Incredibles a run for their money.
I must admit, though, it took me a bit to get used to the faces in Undefeatable Swordsman’s art, but the action is fantastic. Wumoon would fit right in with that crew. I can’t wait to see him in action. He’s like a superhero, but instead of a cape, he wears a gi. So, if you ever see Wumoon walking down the street, beware – he’s a man on a mission to become the greatest martial artist ever. And, he has a secret weapon – a painting.
16. The Millennium Alchemist
Lim Yun-hee is a young girl who dreams of becoming an alchemist. However, in this world, alchemy is forbidden, and those who practice it are punished severely. Despite this, Yun-hee is determined to achieve her dream, and she discovers a mysterious alchemy book that had been hidden away for centuries. With the help of the book, she begins to learn alchemy in secret, but she soon realizes that she is not the only one interested in the book’s secrets.
We follow Yun-hee as she navigates the dangerous world of alchemy and uncovers the truth about her family’s past. Along the way, she meets a diverse cast of characters, including other alchemists, soldiers, and royalty, and finds herself caught up in a web of intrigue and political machinations.
Apparently, it’s supposed to be an OP MC manhwa murim but honestly, it’s not really doing it for me. The main character’s supposed to be this genius, but we don’t really see much of his development until he’s 18. And even then, he’s kinda weak and helpless.
The art is just average, and I’m not really feeling any depth in the characters. Some people are saying it’s a slice-of-life comedy, but honestly, it’s more like a bunch of inconsequential events, and after 70 chapters, it feels like we’re going nowhere. Plus, I got really annoyed by the MC.
I guess some people might find it original, maybe it’s just not my cup of tea.
15. Cover of Youngest Son of the Namgung Clan
NamGung DeSo is the guy that just can’t catch a break. He’s the youngest son of the strongest clan, which sounds great and all, but it just means everyone expects him to be the strongest too. After losing his dantian and dying, he goes back in time to when he was a child. Honestly, it seems like a good deal to me. You get to start over, fix your mistakes, and avoid all the embarrassing moments from your past. But for NamGung DeSo, it’s just another headache. He doesn’t want to be the strongest person, but he’s got no choice in the matter.
If you’re looking for a manga with an overpowered mc and having amazing fights, this manhwa might be for you. It’s more of a laid-back, go-with-the-flow type of tale. Just don’t expect too much from the fights, okay?
14. Doctor’s Rebirth
“Doctor’s Rebirth” is the story of a doctor named Jin Cheonhee, who has the misfortune of dying in a civil war attack. But, like any good isekai story, he gets a second chance at life by being transmigrated into the novel he had just finished reading. As you might expect, Cheonhee has full meta-knowledge of the world he’s in, and he’s not shy about using it to his advantage. He’s like the luckiest kid in the candy store – he makes deals with the main character, saves important people, and promptly becomes the apprentice of the most op mc doctor in the manhwa.
Now, I have to admit, this story isn’t breaking any new ground. It’s got all the classic isekai manhwa with overpowered protagonists, fated encounters, and plenty of cliches. I mean, Cheonhee gets to rewrite the fates of those destined to die and uncover threats that separate the story he knows. Plus, he gets to be the disciple of the White Dragon Godly Doctor – that’s a title you can’t put on a business card.
Just don’t expect it to be the most original murim thing you’ve ever read. Unless you count the fact that a doctor from modern times is suddenly living in a fantasy world as groundbreaking.
13. Reaper of the Drifting Moon
Pyo Wol, the wanderer, had the misfortune of bumping into a mysterious man and promptly losing consciousness. When he woke up, he found himself stuck in a dark and cramped space with only an iron door for an exit. But Wol wasn’t going to let himself go to seed. He spent the next several months keeping in shape, ready for whatever came next. The iron door finally opened, revealing a group of masked villains who had kidnapped 300 children to train them as human weapons. Yikes! Wol had to fight his way through to become one of the chosen few, but he also had to find a way to break free from his captors.
The art is great, and the main character is as sharp as a tack. However, it takes a while to get going, like a slow train chugging up a hill. The adaptation has some issues with skipping important details from the novel, which can leave you scratching your head at times. But don’t fret, you can always read the novel alongside the murim manhwa to fill in any gaps. Or, if you’re only interested in the action, go ahead and give the comic a shot.
12. Star of the Overlord
The mighty crimson star of the supreme ruler has appeared, and apparently, whoever receives its energy becomes the supreme leader of the world. Yeah, you heard that right – there can only be one Supreme Ruler! And the intense aspirations and love (wait, what?) that take place while fighting for that position are nothing short of hilarious. Who wouldn’t want to be the legendary star that rules over the world?
But don’t let the absurdity of the concept fool you – the story is actually really good. The pacing of the plot is on point, and the characters are awesome. The art – it’s simply marvelous. If you’re in the mood for a solid murim manhwa with an overpowered main character, “Star of the Overlord” is a great plot and awesome characters, then give this one a try.
I’ve read the entire thing fast, the story steadily builds, and you’re left imagining all sorts of different possible developments, making it even more exciting.
11. Murim Login
Imagine if there was a story where everything was normal, except one day a mysterious gate appeared, and monsters poured into our world. Then imagine if the main character got trapped in a life-or-death virtual reality videogame, but also had some crazy stuff happen to him that made him super powerful. Oh, and don’t forget about the weakling in Chinese Murim who had cheated and got stronger than everyone around him. Now, what if someone ignored the fact that all of those stories existed already and combined them into one big mess? That’s pretty much what this manhwa is, but surprisingly, it’s a well-done mess.
Personally, I don’t mind clichés as long as they’re written in an entertaining way, and this murim manhwa definitely delivers on that front. The OP MC is hardworking with street smarts, and I love how he uses his mouth to rile up his enemies before beating them up with his skills. The fights aren’t all ones where he wins easily, and there are chapters where he gets beaten within an inch of his life in training. It’s a great balance of humor and action.
The plot revolves around the MC getting a mysterious VR pod that helps him visit the Murim world as the prodigal third son of the Jin family. The stats he gets there are transferable to his real body, and he’s able to use his skills to fight the monsters that come through the gates in the original world. While I do wish there was more progression in the real world compared to the Murim world, the MC is still developing, so it’s likely to come in future chapters. The characters are great, and most of them are not just one-dimensional but have different layers to them.
Overall, “Murim Login” is one of the best with continuous comedy elements, and definitely deserves to be one of the highest-rated manhwas out there. If you’re a fan of the stories that inspired it, you’ll definitely enjoy this unique mashup.
10. Sword Fanatic Wanders through the Night
This murim manhwa got everything you want in a revenge story – a cold-blooded main character with superior kick-ass skills, and just the right mix of comedy and seriousness.
Jin Sohan, our protagonist, was raised by a dance troupe until he was kidnapped by the Venom Demon and raised as his disciple. Fast forward ten years later, and Sohan’s back in his hometown, only to find that his beloved troupe has been defeated by a nefarious sect. What was supposed to be a heartwarming reunion turned into a quest for revenge, and Sohan’s not afraid to use his poisons and powers to take down anyone who stands in his way.
The art style is just splendid. The colors are vivid, and the action scenes are drawn so well, I felt like I’m right there with Sohan as he kicks some serious butt. The story may not be the deepest, but it’s nice enough to follow along and understand.
“Sword Fanatic Wanders through the Night” is a satisfying read. It’s not too goofy, but it’s not too serious either – it strikes just the right balance. And with a main character who’s willing to manipulate and poison his enemies, you’re in for a wild ride.
9. Tale of a Scribe Who Retires to the Countryside
So, there’s this manga with a super long title that tells the story of a scholar who fails the national exams and gets picked up by a martial arts master. The master gives him the task of recording his life into a book and thus begins the MC’s journey through the murim world. Along the way, he meets tons of great people and ends up following in the footsteps of the master, becoming the Martial Arts King.
It’s a marvelous journey. The way the story unfolds is simply remarkable, like something straight out of a fairy tale. But despite the whimsical nature of the tale, the growth of the OP MC feels slow yet amusing to watch. And the other characters, flawed as they may be, still feel human.
Now, I do have to admit, the art is a bit disappointing, especially in the fight scenes. But hey, it’s improving, so I still have high hopes for this manhwa in the future. And honestly, I highly recommend giving it a read. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up feeling just as enamored with it as the MC is with martial arts.
8. Mohsin Hunter
In the world of Donghye, spirits run amok like it’s nobody’s business. Luckily, there’s a badass swordsman named Sehui Han who’s ready to take them down one by one. And he’s got a secret weapon up his sleeve – a powerful spirit named Black Tiger who’s basically his personal trainer. You scratch his back, he scratches yours. Or in this case, you let him feast on some pesky spirits and he gives you some sweet strength boosts. It’s a win-win situation, really.
But things get interesting when Sehui runs into a young spirit named Hwimori who’s being chased by government soldiers. And let’s be real, nobody likes being chased by the government. So Sehui takes it upon himself to help her out and restore her name and memories. It’s like a buddy road trip movie, except instead of a car, they have swords. And instead of singing along to classic rock hits, they’re slicing through evil spirits.
If you’re into stories about supernatural creatures and epic battles, then “Mohsin Hunter” is the murim manhwa for you. The artwork is top-notch and the action scenes are straight-fire.
7. Return of the Blossoming Blade
Imagine waking up from a hundred-year nap and realizing that everything you knew and loved has turned to dust. That’s exactly what happened to Cheongmyeong of the Mount Hua Sect, and boy was he not happy. The poor guy had just defeated the Leader of the Demonic Cult, Cheonma, and barely made it out alive. Talk about a rough day at the office. But then he wakes up and gets a second chance at life. Good thing he’s got some skills because Mount Hua is in desperate need of a facelift. The story may be predictable, but it’s still a rollercoaster ride filled with surprises.
The relationships between Cheongmyeong and his fellow sect members? Hilarious. These guys have been through it all together, and it shows. If you’re a fan of action and op mc murim-themed manhwa, then you need to add this to your reading list ASAP. It’s right up there with Legend of the Northern Blade and Nano Machine. Don’t believe me? Give it a shot and see for yourself. Cheongmyeong and the Mount Hua Sect will not disappoint.
6. Absolute Sword Sense
Imagine waking up 10 years in the past with the power to hear the voices of swords – that’s what happened to So WoonHwi in this crazy murim manhwa. This poor guy had already been through the wringer, with his dantian shattered and his family cast him aside, only to be kidnapped by the Blood Cult and spend his days as a third-rate spy. And just when he thought he was done for, he gets killed while searching for the Secret Records of the Sword Sage. But instead of moving on to the afterlife, he’s back in the past with some seriously cool new skills.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper murim manhwa with OP MC without a good training arc. But don’t worry, this one is executed perfectly so you won’t get bored. And the concept of being able to talk to sword spirits is definitely a unique twist. Plus, the main character has a seriously cool personality – he’s ruthless when he needs to be, and you can’t help but root for him. The side characters are well-written too, so you’ll be invested in the story from all angles.
The author of Nano Machine (which is higher on this list) is behind this masterpiece, so you know it’s got to be good. The world-building is also great.
5. Rooftop Sword Master
“Rooftop Sword Master” follows Tak Se’Young, a boy who wakes up from a coma after being beaten up by his classmates. He learns that his father committed suicide seeking justice for him, and the attackers are finally sentenced. However, Se’Young still feels angry and afraid of the world and hides at home until he hears a strange sound one day. Upon investigation, he finds a giant blade with the words “fighting sword” on the rooftop and hears the whispers of a God.
If you’re not reading “Rooftop Sword Master”, then you’re missing out on one of the best-hidden gems out there. It’s a revenge murim story with an OP, badass MC! Don’t let the first few chapters fool you; our MC alone wages war against the whole Korean military, and it’s incredibly satisfying to read.
The hype is real, and it’s even better than Solo Leveling! There I said it! Sure, the art is good, but the real quality lies in the personality of the MC and his past with a group of compelling antagonists. The overwhelming power of the MC is not an issue here because he knows how to use it well. It’s a real outlet for all the anger and frustration we feel in real life.
4. Chronicles of the Martial God’s Return
Are you tired of reading the same old boring martial arts stories? Fear not, because the “Chronicles of the Martial God’s” Return is here to fulfill all your Wuxia genre cravings! This masterpiece is the sixth addition to the list of must-reads, alongside the Third-rate Chronicles of Return, The Conquer of the Heavenly Faction, and the Chronicles of Seven Dragons and Seven Demons. The Ultimate Martial Divine Demon, Dan Woohyun, was sealed away for being too powerful for the world to handle. After a millennium of isolation, he was released and found himself wandering the back alleys, feeling like everything was meaningless. But just as he was about to give up a small hand appeared before him, offering him a dumpling. This was the first act of kindness he had received in a long time, and it changed his fate forever.
Although it would be great if the current sect leaders and people around Dan Woohyun knew of his true identity as the Martial God from a thousand years ago, it’s unlikely to happen considering his past deeds. But that doesn’t stop us from rooting for this lovable and merciless OP MC.
This is certainly one of the best Murim Manhwas with OP MC out there, and highly recommended for fans of the genre.
3. Fist Demon of Mount Hua
Dam-Ho may have a lame leg, but he has an even stronger will to become a top-notch martial artist. It’s like everyone around him is saying, “Hey man, you’re not cut out for this,” and Dam-Ho is like, “Hold my crutches.” And that’s what makes this story unique and deeper than your average martial arts comic.
The stakes are real, and the consequences of actions hit home even for the main character. Plus, the art is on point – it’s like a perfect match to the plot, and it’s flawlessly executed. Be prepared to witness Dam-Ho overcoming some serious obstacles on his journey to become the best. This manhwa definitely deserves a spot in my top three best murim with OP MC.
2. Nano Machine
written and illustrated by Han Song, Nano Machine “Nano Machine” revolves around Kim Jaemin, who wakes up one day after being in a coma for ten years to find out that he has been experimented on and now possesses the power of nano-machines within his body. These nano-machines have given Jaemin incredible abilities, such as superhuman strength, speed, and agility, as well as the power to heal himself from almost any injury. As he struggles to come to terms with his new powers, Jaemin is pursued by a mysterious organization that wants to use him for their own purposes.
“Nano Machine” is the murim manhwa you didn’t know you needed in your life! It’s got everything you want in a classic murim plot – the MC gets stronger as he faces tougher enemies.
It also incorporates SciFi, which is pretty unique in this genre. The politics are interesting, but let’s be real, the best part is watching our boy get stronger and stronger. The art is absolutely outstanding! The action scenes are so well done, the colors and shades really bring out the hype.
Sure, there are some character designs that are a bit off, but that’s just a minor issue. Yes, there are some flaws, but who cares when you’re having this much fun?
1. Legend of the Northern Blade
My top pick for this list of best murim manhwa with OP MC, “Legend of the Northern Blade”, is set in a fantasy world where martial arts are highly respected, and the strongest fighters are known as “Blades.” The main character, a young boy named Moowon, is the last descendant of a legendary northern clan that was renowned for its exceptional martial arts skills.
Moowon’s clan was betrayed and destroyed by a group of evil Blades, leaving him as the only survivor. As he sets out on a journey of revenge, he trains to become stronger, gathering allies along the way who help him in his quest to seek justice for his clan.
It has an original story, and characters that are powerful yet humble. The side characters contribute to the story, the antagonists make the fighting scenes awesome and crazy good. As someone who has read their fair share of Korean murim, I can confidently say that “Legend of the Northern Blade” is the best. But, as they say, my overall review can’t do it justice – you’ll just have to read it for yourself and see what all the hype is about!
