PHOTO/ This is the tallest building in the country, with 105 floors and 3,000 rooms, and no one has slept in it for 39 years

The tallest building in North Korea, the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, stands at 330 meters with 105 floors and approximately 3,000 rooms. Despite its grand scale, no guest has ever stayed there, over 39 years since construction began in 1987, the structure remains unoccupied. The project, which was once intended to be completed by 1989, has been plagued by delays and financial constraints, leaving the building largely unfinished inside while its exterior appears almost complete. Construction started in 1987 as part of a competitive effort between North Korea and South Korea. In 1986, a South Korean company had completed the world’s tallest hotel in Singapore, prompting North Korea to respond with an even more ambitious plan. The Ryugyong Hotel was envisioned as a luxury destination featuring over 3,000 rooms and five rotating restaurants atop the structure. Its opening was initially scheduled for 1989, just two years after work commenced. However, this timeline proved unrealistic due to economic and political challenges. The early stages of construction saw progress until 1992, when the project faced its first major setback. By that point, the building had reached its planned height, yet it lacked windows, interior finishes, and functional spaces. For nearly 16 years, the structure stood as a massive expanse of raw concrete, offering panoramic views of Pyongyang but serving little practical purpose. This period coincided with the collapse of the Soviet Union, which led to a sharp decline in aid to North Korea. The country entered a deep economic crisis, marked by widespread food shortages and social unrest. Work resumed in 2008 when an Egyptian company installed the glass façade, giving the building its current appearance. However, construction halted again in 2013, reflecting ongoing difficulties in securing funding and resources. Today, the Ryugyong Hotel looks like a finished skyscraper, but its interior remains largely empty. Approximately 400,000 square meters of space remain unutilized, with only minimal infrastructure in place. Some sections have been partially developed, including a few rooms and facilities, but the vast majority of the building remains untouched. In recent years, efforts have been made to enhance the building’s visibility. In 2018, LED panels were installed on one side of the façade, allowing for nighttime displays of light messages. These additions highlight the focus on external aesthetics rather than internal functionality. Estimates of total costs vary, but they all reflect the immense financial burden placed on a small economy. One estimate suggests that around 470 million euros have been invested in the project so far. Completion would require an additional sum equivalent to roughly 5 percent of North Korea’s annual GDP. Despite these challenges, the Ryugyong Hotel holds a unique distinction, it is recognized as the tallest unoccupied building in the world. It has become a symbol of both ambition and failure, often referred to in Western media as “the hotel of despair” or “one of the worst buildings in the world.” While many large-scale construction projects have failed globally, the Ryugyong’s situation is unusual because its exterior is nearly complete, creating a deceptive impression of functionality. The building rises above Pyongyang daily, appearing fully operational, yet it has never housed a single guest. The name “Ryugyong,” meaning “Queen of the Willow,” is an old nickname for Pyongyang, underscoring the historical significance of the city. The hotel’s continued existence reflects the complex interplay of political will, economic hardship, and international isolation that defines North Korea’s modern landscape. As the nation continues to navigate sanctions and limited foreign investment, the fate of the Ryugyong Hotel remains uncertain, standing as a silent monument to unrealized dreams.