What is Murim in Manhwa?

The simple truth is that Murim is a genre in Korean manhwa (webtoons) that focuses on martial arts. However, instead of the training grounds being part of your neighborhood or other real-world setting, these stories usually take place in fantastical or historical places.

The word Murim (무림) is the Korean pronunciation of the Chinese term Wǔlín (武林), which literally translates to "Martial Forest."

The Concept

Murim is essentially a fictional society or "underworld" of martial artists that exists within a larger, typically ancient or historical East Asian setting.

The Murim is distinct from the common populace and the central government. Its members follow their own rules, codes of conduct, and internal politics.

The primary elements are superhuman martial arts. Practitioners use internal energy, or Ki (or Gi/Chi), to perform incredible feats like enhanced speed, devastating strikes, and even flying.

Along with this comes an organization or a society usually divided into different groups:

1. Sects, Clans, and Families: Large organizations that pass down specific martial arts techniques and philosophies. Famous examples often include Mount Hua Sect, the Namgung Family, and the Tang Clan (known for poison).
2. (Example: Return of the Mount Hua Sect / Return of the Blossoming Blade)
3. The Orthodox (Righteous) Faction: Groups that uphold chivalry and order (though they are often hypocritical or corrupt in many stories).
4. (Example: The Legend of the Northern Blade)
5. The Unorthodox (Evil/Demonic) Faction: Groups that use martial arts for ruthless ends, often ruled by a powerful leader known as the Heavenly Demon.
6. (Example: Heavenly Demon Reborn! / Chronicles of the Heavenly Demon)

Sometimes combinations occur, which is the case for stories like Nano Machine.

Common Murim Tropes in Manhwa

While pure Murim stories exist (like The Legend of the Northern Blade), many modern manhwa fuse the genre with other popular trends and tropes. Some of these include: Regression/Reincarnation, Wuxia/Xianxia influences, System/Game Elements, and others.

In short, a Murim manhwa is a story set in a world governed by powerful martial arts sects and individual masters who fight for power, justice, or revenge using superhuman abilities based on internal energy. It’s similar to Mafia stories which usually feature their own power systems and rules, but in this one, a Kamehameha is as easy as eating breakfast.

What Do These Stories Usually Entail?

The protagonist's journey often involves learning, creating, and/or adapting their own Mugong (a unique set of abilities, which is considered sacred).

When Did Everything Start?

Early, detailed works became a major influence for more Murim works to come out and evolve. Two of these were instrumental in setting the genre's standard:

1. Yongbi the Invincible (1998–2002): This series is praised for its unique and charismatic protagonist, Yongbi. He subverted the typical noble hero archetype, acting as a cynical, money-hungry bounty hunter who was secretly one of the most powerful martial artists.
2. Gosu (The Master): As a sequel, Gosu successfully captured the high-stakes action of its predecessor while focusing on a new protagonist, Gang Yong. The manhwa is often cited as having some of the most dynamic and clear martial arts sequences in the genre.