The Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea, nicknamed the "Hotel of Doom," remains unfinished and unopened despite decades of construction. Recent photos offer a glimpse inside the colossal 105-story pyramid-shaped structure, revealing bare concrete interiors and a lack of fixtures or furnishings. Although exterior lighting and some window panes have been installed, suggesting intermittent progress, the building's interior appears far from completion. Originally envisioned as a symbol of North Korean ingenuity and a luxury hotel, the Ryugyong Hotel has become a notorious symbol of the country's economic struggles and broken promises.
The article, titled "Rare Photos from Inside North Korea's 'Hotel of Doom' (2023)," details the intriguing and somewhat unsettling history of the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea. This colossal pyramid-shaped structure, dominating the city's skyline, has earned its ominous nickname due to its prolonged and troubled construction, coupled with the fact that it has never officially opened its doors to a single guest. The article showcases recently obtained photographs offering a glimpse into the interior of this enigmatic building, providing a rare peek behind the curtain of secrecy that typically shrouds North Korean projects.
Construction of the Ryugyong Hotel began in 1987, fueled by North Korea's ambition to surpass Singapore in constructing the world's tallest hotel. The project was envisioned as a symbol of the nation's power and technological prowess, intended to house 3,000 rooms, seven revolving restaurants, and casinos. However, plagued by a series of economic and engineering challenges, construction halted in 1992, leaving the building an unfinished concrete shell for over a decade. The stalled project became a stark reminder of North Korea's economic struggles and a somewhat embarrassing symbol on the Pyongyang skyline.
The article highlights the renewed efforts to complete the hotel's exterior in the mid-2000s, thanks to an investment from the Egyptian telecommunications company Orascom. The exterior was finally clad in glass panels, giving the building a more finished appearance, although work on the interior remained largely incomplete. Despite intermittent bursts of activity and rumors of a potential opening, the Ryugyong Hotel remains unoccupied and shrouded in mystery.
The newly released photographs, reportedly taken by a recent visitor, depict the vast, empty interior spaces. They reveal a stark, unfinished state, far removed from the opulent vision originally conceived. While some areas appear to have undergone some degree of finishing, the photographs largely show bare concrete walls, exposed wiring, and incomplete construction work. These images provide tangible evidence of the hotel's continued state of limbo, reinforcing its reputation as a symbol of unfulfilled ambition and a testament to North Korea's complex economic and political landscape. The article concludes by reiterating the uncertain future of the Ryugyong Hotel, questioning whether it will ever fulfill its intended purpose or remain an imposing, yet empty, monument to a bygone era of ambition.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43082764
HN commenters discuss the Ryugyong Hotel's history, noting its construction coincided with the fall of the Soviet Union and subsequent economic hardship for North Korea, halting progress. Some express skepticism about its true "emptiness," suggesting possible internal use by the regime or as a surveillance hub. Others point to the hotel as a symbol of North Korean propaganda and failed ambitions. The practicality of its pyramid shape is questioned, with comments suggesting its form was chosen for symbolic, not functional, reasons. The discussion also touches on the challenges and ethical considerations of tourism in North Korea. Several users highlight the difficulty of verifying information coming out of the country.
The Hacker News post titled "Rare Photos from Inside North Korea's 'Hotel of Doom' (2023)" has generated a number of comments discussing various aspects related to the Ryugyong Hotel, North Korea, and the linked article.
Several commenters discuss the hotel's history and construction, pointing out the numerous delays and setbacks it faced. One commenter highlights the change in North Korea's economic situation from when construction began to when it stalled, suggesting the country's economic decline played a significant role. Another questions the claim that no one has ever stayed in the hotel, citing reports of occasional use, specifically a restaurant and LED lighting displays.
A few comments focus on the political and economic context of North Korea. One commenter draws parallels between the Ryugyong Hotel and other grand projects in totalitarian regimes, viewing them as symbols of power rather than practical endeavors. Another speculates on the potential consequences if the hotel were to ever open, considering the contrast between its luxury and the poverty experienced by many North Koreans.
Some comments delve into the architectural and engineering aspects of the building. One commenter raises concerns about the structural integrity of the concrete used in its construction, given the long construction period and potential exposure to the elements. Others discuss the challenges involved in completing such a large and complex project, particularly in a country like North Korea.
There's also discussion about the source article and its presentation. One commenter criticizes the clickbait-y nature of the headline and questions the article's accuracy. Another points out that the interior photos, while rare, don't reveal much about the hotel's actual state.
Finally, several comments offer personal anecdotes or reflections. One commenter recounts a trip to North Korea and their experience seeing the hotel from afar. Others express fascination with the hotel's story and its symbolic significance.
Overall, the comments provide a multifaceted perspective on the Ryugyong Hotel, touching upon its history, construction, political context, and the broader implications of such projects in isolated nations. They also reflect a critical approach to the source article and its claims.