Manga vs Manhwa

While both are technically considered comics, Mangas and Manhwas have their differences that made them stood out from the other.

Definition and Origin

Manga are comics created in Japan or by Japanese people conforming to a specific art style. It is generally a word used by English speakers for all kinds of Japanese graphic novels. While Manhwa is the korean equivalent of manga, most specifically South Korea.

Color:

Probably the most noticeable difference between the two is that Manga are most always monochrome - the pictures lie between black and white except for the front and back cover. This is to allow faster production (since coloring takes too much time) and to lower cost (colored cartridges cost more) since Manga are typically printed and published weekly. Manhwa on the other hand, are fully coloured, this is due to the fact that most manhwas are published online, they do not require additional cost for inks.

Format and Direction

Manga usually follows the traditional reading of the Japanese. Top-to-Bottom, Right-to-Left while most Manhwa follow the traditional western style of Left-To-Right reading. This is because Hangul is written horizontally. It can however also be read from right-to-left but most manhwa authors tend to use the left-to-right style to cater to the needs of people outside Korea.

TV Adaptations

Since Japan embraces anime with big open wide arms, it's no wonder that popular mangas get tv adaptations in the form of Animes. Korea however focuses on adapting popular manhwas into drama series (mostly Love stories).Cheese in the Trap and Bride of the Water God are some examples of korean drama series adapted from the manhwa.