2nding the rec for Dokebi Bride and Bride of the Water God (awesome artwork)...I haven't actually read all 5-7 volumes of each..so can't vouch for how the stories progress in each.

Coffee Prince is an excellent kdrama to start with, too. It's a great romantic romance. Painter of the Wind is a good period piece. (I have yet to see a cdrama worth recommending to anyone)

Thx for listing your book recs!

Happy New Year!