Ryugyong Hotel: North Korea’s Most Famous Building

The Origins of the Ryugyong Hotel

Construction of the Ryugyong Hotel began in 1987 during a period when North Korea was investing heavily in large-scale construction projects.

The goal was ambitious. Once completed, the hotel was intended to be one of the tallest hotels in the world and a showcase of North Korea’s architectural and engineering capabilities.

The building takes its name from “Ryugyong”, a historic name for Pyongyang that translates as “Capital of Willows”, reflecting the willow trees that traditionally grew throughout the city.

Designed as a striking triangular pyramid, the structure rises to approximately 330 metres and contains over 100 floors.

A Landmark on the Pyongyang Skyline

Even by modern standards, the Ryugyong Hotel is an impressive sight.

Its distinctive design features three sloping wings that converge at a central point, creating a shape unlike almost any other building in the world. At the top sits a circular section originally intended to contain restaurants and observation areas.

The hotel can be seen from many parts of Pyongyang and has become one of the city’s defining landmarks.

For visitors arriving in the capital, it is often one of the first buildings they notice.

Years of Uncertainty

Construction slowed significantly during the economic difficulties that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s.

For many years, the building stood unfinished, earning international attention and becoming the subject of considerable speculation.

Despite its incomplete state, the Ryugyong Hotel remained one of North Korea’s most recognisable structures and a familiar feature of Pyongyang’s skyline.

In the late 2000s, work resumed on the exterior of the building, including the installation of glass cladding that transformed its appearance and gave it the modern look visible today.

The Ryugyong Hotel Today

Today, the Ryugyong Hotel remains one of the tallest buildings in North Korea and one of the tallest unoccupied structures in the world.

Although visitors cannot stay there, the building continues to serve as an important landmark within Pyongyang. In recent years, the exterior has occasionally been used as a giant projection screen during national celebrations and special events, with images and animations displayed across its glass facade.

This has further cemented the building’s status as one of the most visually striking structures in the country.

Why Does It Fascinate People?

Part of the fascination surrounding the Ryugyong Hotel comes from its sheer scale.

Another reason is the contrast between the building’s ambitious vision and its unusual history. Few buildings have generated as much international discussion or become so closely associated with the image of a city.

For architecture enthusiasts, it represents a unique example of late twentieth-century monumental design. For travellers, it offers a glimpse into North Korea’s approach to urban development and national prestige projects.

Regardless of perspective, it is difficult to ignore.

Visiting the Ryugyong Hotel

While visitors are not generally able to enter the building, the hotel can be viewed from numerous locations throughout Pyongyang.

Many city tours pass through areas that offer excellent views of the structure, allowing visitors to appreciate both its scale and unusual design.

The building is particularly impressive after dark when illuminated against the night skyline.

For photographers, it remains one of the most sought-after subjects in the capital.

A Symbol of Modern Pyongyang

The Ryugyong Hotel has become far more than a hotel.

It is a landmark, an architectural curiosity and one of the most recognisable symbols of modern Pyongyang. Whether admired for its design, discussed for its history or photographed for its scale, it continues to capture the imagination of visitors from around the world.

Few buildings inspire as much curiosity, and few are as closely associated with North Korea’s capital as the Ryugyong Hotel.