Korean Anime – What Koreans Call Their Animation

Korean animation has gained popularity over the years and is often compared to Japanese anime due to its similar style. However, many people wonder: what is Korean anime actually called in Korea? This question is more important than you might think, especially if you’re a fan of Korean pop culture or simply curious about the differences between Asian animation styles. While most of the world uses the term “anime” for Japanese animations, the Korean equivalent has its own identity, language, and history.

In this article, we will explore the real term used in Korea for what many call “Korean anime,” look at how it differs from Japanese anime, and uncover the cultural nuances that define Korean animation. We’ll also compare key characteristics of Korean and Japanese animations, discuss its impact on global audiences, and share how it continues to grow in popularity.

Key Points:

• Korea calls its animation “Aeni” which comes from the English word “animation”.
• It is different from “manhwa”, which refers to Korean comics.
• Korean animation is heavily influenced by culture and modern themes.

What Is Korean Anime Called in Korea?

When we say “Korean anime,” what we are usually referring to is Korean-style animation. But in South Korea, the term for this isn’t “anime” — it’s “Aeni” (애니), which is a borrowed term from the English word “animation.” Unlike Japan, which has its own unique word “anime” to describe its animated media, Korea typically uses “Aeni” to refer to animated content, whether local or foreign.

In day-to-day speech, Korean people may refer to both domestic and international animation as “Aeni.” However, when they specifically want to highlight locally made animation, they may use the term Hanguk Aeni (한국 애니), which means “Korean animation.”

It’s also important not to confuse “Aeni” with “Manhwa.” Manhwa refers to Korean comic books, much like Japanese manga. Many Korean animations are adapted from manhwa or webtoons, which are the digital version of comics. For example, popular Korean animated series like “Tower of God” and “The God of High School” were adapted from webtoons.

Here’s a table to compare terms:

Note: While “Aeni” refers to animation, not all Koreans use it to describe their own national content unless they want to differentiate from foreign works.

How Does Korean Animation Differ From Japanese Anime?

While Korean animation may look similar to Japanese anime, there are several differences that set them apart. One of the biggest differences lies in style and storytelling. Korean animation tends to be more modern and is heavily influenced by webtoons, which are digital comics read vertically. This results in stories that are often more fast-paced and suitable for digital platforms.

Korean animations also tend to include themes that reflect contemporary Korean society, such as school life, family, mental health, and even social criticism. For example, the animated series “Lookism” explores body image issues and bullying in Korean schools — a theme less frequently addressed in mainstream Japanese anime.

Another major difference is that many Korean animations are made for international platforms, such as Netflix. This often results in the use of multilingual dubbing and subtitling, which boosts global appeal. Japanese anime, while internationally known, is often more focused on the domestic market before reaching international streaming services.

Here is a comparison chart for better understanding:

Reminder: Korean animation tends to experiment more with current social issues than its Japanese counterpart.

Why Is the Term “Aeni” Not Well Known Globally?

Even though Korean animation is growing in popularity, the term “Aeni” isn’t widely recognized outside Korea. One reason is that Japan’s term “anime” has become a global identifier for all types of stylized animation from Asia. This has created a kind of branding issue for Korean animation, where international audiences simply refer to it as “Korean anime” instead of by its actual Korean term.

Additionally, many Korean animations that go global are marketed as part of the larger “anime” category because that’s what viewers are familiar with. For instance, when the Korean animated series “Noblesse” aired, many viewers thought it was Japanese anime. It was only upon further research that people realized it was based on a Korean webtoon and created by a Korean studio.

Marketing also plays a role here. Studios and platforms often use the word “anime” to attract viewers, even if the content is not Japanese. While this boosts popularity, it also makes it harder for terms like “Aeni” to enter the global vocabulary.

So unless you’re actively following Korean culture or the animation industry, you’re unlikely to hear the word “Aeni.” However, this is slowly changing as Korean content becomes more recognized and appreciated worldwide.

What Are Some Popular Korean Animations?

Korean animation is not just limited to children’s content. In recent years, there have been several titles that appeal to both teenagers and adults. These animations cover a wide range of genres — from action and fantasy to romance and school drama.

Some of the most popular Korean animations include:

• Tower of God: A dark fantasy adventure based on a popular webtoon. It explores a mysterious tower with hidden powers.
• The God of High School: An action-packed martial arts series that involves high school students fighting in tournaments.
• Noblesse: Follows the story of a powerful vampire noble who awakens in modern-day Korea.
• Yobi, the Five Tailed Fox: A beautifully animated movie about a mythical creature navigating between the human world and spirit world.
• Pororo the Little Penguin: A famous Korean children’s animation that is loved worldwide.

These titles have helped Korean animation break into international markets. They are now available on major platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and YouTube, which helps them reach a wider audience.

What makes these shows stand out is their character development, emotional storytelling, and clean animation style, which differs slightly from the often hyper-stylized look of Japanese anime.

What Does the Future Hold for Korean Animation?

Korean animation is evolving rapidly. With the rise of webtoons, there is a rich library of stories just waiting to be adapted into animated formats. The success of recent shows has also shown that there is a large, international audience for Korean animated content.

The government of South Korea is also supporting its creative industries, including animation, by investing in talent development and digital infrastructure. This means more high-quality animations are expected in the future.

One of the most exciting parts of Korean animation’s future is its ability to mix genres and storytelling methods. Many Korean animated series blend emotional depth with social realism — something that resonates strongly with modern viewers.

International partnerships are also becoming more common. Studios in Korea are working with companies like Netflix and Crunchyroll to co-produce content. This not only brings in more funding but also exposes Korean animation to new global markets.

As technology and creativity continue to grow, Korean animation is set to become a major force in the global entertainment world.

Conclusion

So, what is Korean anime really called? In South Korea, it’s called “Aeni,” a word that directly translates to “animation.” While international audiences might refer to it as Korean anime, understanding its proper term helps us appreciate its unique identity. Korean animation is different from Japanese anime in its themes, production, and style. With growing support and a strong digital culture, it is only set to grow further in both popularity and recognition.

Whether you’re a new fan or a long-time viewer, now is the perfect time to dive into the vibrant world of Korean animation.

FAQ’s

1. What Is Korean Anime Called?
   Korean anime is called “Aeni” in Korea, which means animation.
2. Is There a Difference Between Anime and Aeni?
   Yes. Anime refers to Japanese animation, while Aeni refers to Korean-made animated content.
3. Are Korean Webtoons Turned Into Anime?
   Yes. Many Korean webtoons like Tower of God and Noblesse have been adapted into animations.
4. Is Korean Animation Popular Internationally?
   Yes. Thanks to platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll, Korean animation is reaching global audiences.
5. Do Koreans Watch Japanese Anime Too?
   Absolutely. Japanese anime is popular in Korea, but local animation is also growing fast.