Hotel Snapshot
As a Korean American who visits Seoul twice a year, I've stayed at many of the city's major hotels. They deliver all the expected comforts: well-appointed rooms, thoughtful amenities, and the attentive efficiency for which Korean hospitality is known. Yet I often find myself missing one thing: a distinctive sense of design.
That desire for a more design-forward stay is what led Sukjin Moon, founder of Useful Workshop, a Seoul-based furniture and interior design studio, to create A Better Place (ABP)—boutique accommodations for aesthetes seeking a deeper connection to the city. The first property opened in Jongno in 2020, followed by a second in Sindang in spring 2025.
Design & Character
Belying A Better Place's unassuming low-rise building, set amid humble food stalls near Jungang Market, is a restrained yet futuristic aesthetic that feels like stepping into a Stanley Kubrick film. "We wanted to create a way of living that blends rhythm, intimacy, and purpose," says Moon.
Moon worked with a deliberately limited palette of Berlin Red, apricot, butter yellow, and warm grey—tones that feel timeless rather than trendy. Much of the furniture is modular and designed by Useful Workshop. The Edgeform Lounge, for example, is a sculptural chair constructed from seven aluminum planes, while the signature stainless-steel umbrella stand easily holds umbrellas of all sizes, from stick to folding.
The Rooms
A Better Place Sindang's three rooms feel worlds away from the bustle below. Apartment-like and occupying an entire floor, the accommodations are quiet studies in thoughtful, practical design.
Upon entering my home for two nights, I couldn't help but fawn over the little touches I'd want in my own Brooklyn apartment: a trio of Han Kang books, the aforementioned Edgeform Lounge, and a tiny ABP-branded, pill-shaped bar of soap.
Once settled in, I began to appreciate the understated brilliance and intentionality of A Better Place. The walls are constructed from aluminum modules that discreetly multitask, housing kitchen gadgets, games, charging ports, and lighting. The compact kitchen follows the same philosophy: wheels and hook-in components allow it to move freely and transform from a cooking station into a dining surface. An iPad near the entry controls music, lighting, temperature, and shades, so setting the mood takes just a few taps. The neighborhood guide printout, gridded by interests (food, coffee, history, art) and walking distance (3, 6, 9, 12, 15 minutes), is easily the smartest one I've ever seen.
Given the building's age, there is no elevator. Instead, a small lift sends luggage right up to your room.
The Food & Drink Situation
A Better Place's street-level lounge is a lively social space open from morning to late night. Here, the chatty, youthful staff prepares excellent coffee drinks, which, along with other non-alcoholic beverages, are complimentary for ABP guests, as well as cocktails and light bites like paninis. Another perk of staying here: guests receive a 30 percent discount on all menu items. The lounge also regularly hosts live DJs.
Amenities
There's just one amenity, but it's easily one of the best in town. The fifth-floor rooftop is reserved for guests and offers panoramic views of Sindang. Its stylish, wood-paneled lounge is air-conditioned for comfort (Seoul summers are brutal) and stocked with books and vinyl records, while a mini fridge offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
A Better Place is a convenient three-minute walk from Sindang Station’s Exit 2, and is right beside Jungang Market, a sprawling old-school market home to seafood vendors and newer businesses like La Calle, a popular taco spot. Sindang is also one of Seoul’s buzziest neighborhoods for cocktails, with standout bars like Gu and Zoo Sindang. The area is also the birthplace of spicy-saucy tteokbokki, so head to Tteokbokki Town to sample different takes on the iconic dish.
Fast Facts
Location: Sindang, which Moon describes as "messy in a great way, still full of working shops, aging apartments, open markets, and unexpected things around corners."
Vibe: Subdued, stylish, smart
Room Count: 3 apartment-like rooms
Pricing: From $190 per night
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The singular design is unlike anything I've experienced in a hotel before
Dining: ABP's lounge offers a concise menu of drinks and snacks; for something more substantial, just step out in any direction
Nearby Attractions: Jungang Market, Tteokbokki Town, buzzy bars like Gu and Zoo Sindang
Airport: Incheon International Airport
Seoul, South Korea
