Ryugyong Hotel: For over 25 years, a hotel in North Korea has remained closed, puzzling many as to why it has not welcomed a single guest. This hotel, named Ryugyong, cost a lot of money to build. Despite its grandeur, it sits empty, unused for its intended purpose.
However, the fate of the Ryugyong Hotel has taken an unexpected turn. Instead of accommodating guests, it now services a different function. The towering structure has been repurposed into a colossal television screen for advertising.
This transformation might surprise those who expected the hotel to eventually open its doors to visitors. Instead, it has become a symbol of North Korea’s unique approach to architecture and urban planning. The Ryugyong Hotel stands as a striking landmark, even if it remains uninhabited.
Where is Ryugyong Hotel?
Ryugyong Hotel sits in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. It stands about 12 miles away from the opulent residence of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. This skyscraper reaches a towering height of 1082 feet, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Originally, the hotel was designed to house a staggering 3000 rooms. It was meant to be a symbol of the country’s strength both economically and politically. However, despite its grand plans, the Ryugyong Hotel has remained empty for more than 25 years.
Its towering presence in the skyline has earned it the nickname “Hotel of Doom.” This title reflects the disappointment and uncertainty surrounding the fate of this massive structure. Despite its potential, the hotel stands as a reminder of unrealized ambitions and missed opportunities in North Korea.
Ryugyong Hotel Construction
Construction on the Ryugyong Hotel began back in 1987, with high hopes for completion just two years later. If it had stuck to this schedule, it would have claimed the title of the world’s tallest hotel. However, things didn’t go as planned.
Despite the ambitious start, the project faced setbacks. It ultimately became the tallest empty building on the planet. The construction process wasn’t smooth, and the hotel’s completion was delayed.
Ryugyong Hotel Cost
The staggering cost of building this colossal structure amounted to £1.6 billion. However, progress came to a halt in 1997. At that time, North Korea was grappling with economic challenges following the collapse of the Soviet Union. These difficulties forced a pause in construction, leaving the Ryugyong Hotel incomplete and vacant.
In July 2011, glass panels were added to the exterior of the building, raising hopes that the long-awaited completion of the hotel was near. Promises were made that the construction would finish by 2013, but these plans never materialized. Despite the additions to the exterior, the interior of the hotel remains empty.
But Still Useless
The Ryugyong Hotel has faced criticism for several structural issues. Reports suggest that the lift shaft is “bent,” and the floors are not level, being inclined instead. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the building’s overall structural integrity, with rust weakening its framework over time.
In 2018, efforts were made to repurpose the building. LED panels were installed, turning the Ryugyong Hotel into a massive screen for broadcasting North Korean government propaganda. This transformation reflects the regime’s utilization of the hotel for political messaging, rather than its original intended purpose as a luxury accommodation facility.
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