Full Story
The 3,000-Room Hotel That Never Opened
Imagine building one of the tallest hotels on Earth...
...and never checking in a single regular guest.
That's the incredible story of North Korea's **Ryugyong Hotel**.
A Monumental Vision
Construction began in **1987** in Pyongyang.
The goal was ambitious:
Create the world's tallest hotel.
When completed structurally, the pyramid-shaped skyscraper reached approximately **330 meters (1,080 feet)** and **105 floors**.
Plans included more than **3,000 guest rooms**, restaurants, conference facilities, and observation areas.
Construction Suddenly Stopped
In the early 1990s, North Korea experienced severe economic difficulties following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Construction halted for many years.
For over a decade, the unfinished concrete structure stood empty, earning nicknames such as **"The Hotel of Doom."**
A New Exterior
Work resumed years later, focusing primarily on the building's exterior.
Glass panels were added, dramatically changing its appearance.
At night, massive LED lighting displays now illuminate the building, making it one of Pyongyang's most recognizable landmarks.
Has It Ever Opened?
Although reports indicate parts of the building have occasionally been used for events or limited functions, **the Ryugyong Hotel has never fully operated as a commercial hotel open to ordinary international travelers.**
Much of its interior remains unfinished or inaccessible.
One of the World's Greatest Architectural Mysteries
Today, the Ryugyong Hotel remains one of the largest unoccupied skyscrapers ever built.
Its towering silhouette continues to fascinate architects, historians, photographers, and curious travelers around the world.
It stands as a reminder that even the biggest construction projects don't always reach their original goals.