Imagine a giant pyramid-shaped building towering over a city skyline. It looks like something from the future, but it’s actually a hotel. This isn’t just any hotel, though. It’s the Ryugyong Hotel in North Korea, and it has a fascinating story. Despite being planned as the tallest hotel in the world, it has never hosted a single guest in its 33-year history. Let’s dive into the tale of this mysterious structure.
The Ryugyong Hotel was meant to be North Korea’s crowning achievement. Standing at 105 stories, it was supposed to be more than twice the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza, with nearly four million square feet of floor space. The hotel could have housed up to 3,000 guests, with eight floors featuring rotating restaurants offering stunning views of Pyongyang. The idea was to attract tourists and foreign investors to the city.
Construction began in 1987, with a tight deadline set for 1989 to coincide with the World Festival of Youth and Students in Pyongyang. However, engineering problems and a lack of materials delayed the project. By 1992, most of the structure was complete, but financial issues halted progress, leaving a crane on top of the building for nearly two decades.
In 2008, construction resumed when a foreign phone company agreed to fund the project in exchange for using the hotel as a phone tower. The exterior was covered with shiny glass panels, and the crane was finally removed. Yet, the inside remained unfinished, with only concrete stairs and pillars. Despite several planned openings, the hotel never welcomed guests.
Nicknamed the “Hotel of Doom,” the Ryugyong Hotel became the tallest unoccupied building in the world. In 2017, construction restarted, and by 2018, thousands of LEDs were installed on its facade, turning it into a giant screen for light shows during major events.
The hotel’s challenges stem from its construction materials. Unlike most skyscrapers made of steel, the Ryugyong Hotel was built with reinforced concrete. This choice made the building heavier and more difficult to complete. Additionally, concrete requires careful planning for utilities like electricity and water, and the original plans became outdated as technology advanced.
Despite its issues, the Ryugyong Hotel is a significant part of North Korea’s national identity. It appears in miniature form at the Pyongyang Folklore Park, alongside other national symbols. Local performance groups often use the hotel as a backdrop for their shows.
Recently, a sign was added above the entrance, hinting at a possible opening. Local tour guides are already talking about the hotel’s future. Perhaps one day, the Ryugyong Hotel will finally open its doors, transforming from a symbol of unfulfilled dreams into a bustling hub of activity. Until then, it remains a towering reminder of what could have been.
Imagine you are an architect tasked with designing a futuristic hotel. Use your creativity to sketch a hotel that could exist in 2050. Consider the materials, technology, and features that would make your hotel unique. Share your design with the class and explain how it addresses potential construction challenges.
Research the engineering challenges involved in constructing skyscrapers. Focus on materials, structural integrity, and modern technology. Prepare a short presentation to share your findings with the class, highlighting how these factors influenced the Ryugyong Hotel’s construction.
Work in groups to create a detailed timeline of the Ryugyong Hotel’s history. Include key events, construction phases, and any changes in purpose. Use visuals and brief descriptions to make your timeline engaging. Present your timeline to the class, explaining the significance of each event.
Participate in a class debate about whether the Ryugyong Hotel should open to the public. Divide into two groups, with one arguing for the opening and the other against it. Use evidence from the article and additional research to support your arguments. Conclude with a class vote on the issue.
Write a creative short story imagining the experience of the first guest to stay at the Ryugyong Hotel. Consider the guest’s expectations, the hotel’s features, and any surprises they might encounter. Share your story with the class, and discuss how it reflects the hotel’s history and potential future.
Hotel – A building that provides lodging, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists. – The architect designed a modern hotel that blends seamlessly with the historic buildings around it.
Construction – The process of building something, typically a large structure. – The construction of the new museum took several years to complete due to its intricate design.
Challenges – Difficulties or obstacles that need to be overcome, especially in a project or task. – One of the main challenges in restoring the ancient castle was preserving its original features while ensuring safety.
Identity – The characteristics and qualities that define something, often related to cultural or historical significance. – The architect aimed to preserve the cultural identity of the city by incorporating traditional elements into the new library’s design.
Pyramid – A monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet at a point at the top, commonly associated with ancient Egypt. – The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the most famous architectural feats in history.
Guests – People who are invited to visit or stay in a place, such as a hotel or a historical site. – The historic mansion was opened to guests who wanted to experience its rich history and architecture.
Future – The time yet to come, often considered in planning and design to ensure sustainability and relevance. – Architects are increasingly focusing on sustainable designs to ensure that buildings remain functional and efficient in the future.
Symbol – An object or design that represents something else, often with deeper meaning or significance. – The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris and is recognized worldwide for its unique architectural design.
Building – A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house, school, or factory. – The new building on campus was designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Materials – The substances or components used in the construction of buildings and other structures. – The use of recycled materials in construction is becoming more popular as people seek to reduce environmental impact.
