The Shadowy History of Ryugyong Hotel: The Hotel of Doom in North Korea

Ryugyong Hotel stands as a haunting testament to the unpredictable history of North Korea. Officially named the Pyongyang Asia Department Store Hotel, but commonly known as the Ryugyong Hotel, it has earned the nickname Hotel of Doom and has also been referred to as the Phantom Pyramid. This article delves into the fascinating yet often shadowy history of this controversial structure, exploring its origins, construction, and the reasons behind its peculiar monikers.

Origins and Early Development

The Ryugyong Hotel was conceived during the 1980s, a time of grandiose plans but constrained resources in North Korea. Originally drafted in 1987, the building was intended to be a symbol of the country's rapid industrialization and progress. The initial design was for a tower with a height of 300 meters, and it was to be the tallest building in the world at the time.

The Construction Pit Stop

Construction on the Ryugyong Hotel began in 1987, but it quickly became evident that the North Korean economy was struggling to sustain the project. Economic sanctions, coupled with the collapse of the Soviet Union, left the country with limited resources to complete the towering structure. As a result, construction was halted in 1992, and the building was left unfinished, standing as an abandoned monument to the North Korean construction ambitions.

The Name "Hotel of Doom"

The term Hotel of Doom has become synonymous with the Ryugyong Hotel, although the origin of this nickname remains somewhat mysterious. Some believe it’s derived from the ominous and unfinished appearance of the building, which stands as a stark reminder of North Korea's economic and political instability. Others suggest that the name originated from the hotel's seemingly cursed fate, as numerous projects associated with it have run into difficulties. Regardless of its exact origin, the nickname has become a part of the hotel's legacy.

Interestingly, the hotel's official name is the Pyongyang Asia Department Store Hotel. The hotel and its department store have served as a symbol of North Korea's ambitions and the international community's skepticism towards these plans. The project's failure led to widespread speculation, with the hotel facing reputational damage and inviting comparisons to traditional legends of doom and gloom.

The Name "Phantom Pyramid"

Another interesting nickname that has stuck to the Ryugyong Hotel is the Phantom Pyramid. This name is rooted in the secretive and often-censored nature of North Korean politics and media. The government's habit of airbrushing the hotel from photographs and consistently denying its existence for years contributed to the structure's enigmatic and almost ethereal appearance. The Phantom Pyramid moniker captures the elusive nature of the hotel, evoking feelings of intrigue and mystery.

It's worth noting that the extensive efforts to airbrush the hotel from official documents and photographs, which began in the early 2000s, might have been an attempt by the North Korean government to maintain a certain air of mystery and keep the international community guessing about the hotel's fate. The real reason behind this strategy remains unclear, as North Korea often operates with secrecy and enigma.

Current Status and Future Prospects

The Ryugyong Hotel has seen numerous incarnations and potential future uses. In 2012, it was briefly reopened as four-star accommodation, following extensive renovations. However, this was a short-lived success, and the hotel was quickly shuttered again due to economic and market challenges. Despite these setbacks, there have been talks about converting the hotel into a high-end luxury resort, potentially inviting international investors.

As of 2023, the status of the Ryugyong Hotel is uncertain. The structure stands tall as a chilling reminder of the highs and lows of North Korea's ambitious architectural plans. The multinational and often contradictory reception it has received—from criticism and skepticism to fascination and intrigue—reflects the complex nature of North Korea and its relationship with the international community.

Conclusion

The Ryugyong Hotel, with its controversial history and intriguing mysteries, continues to captivate the public's imagination. Its monikers, such as the Hotel of Doom and the Phantom Pyramid, encapsulate the building's enigmatic and shifting nature. Whether it will continue to stand as a silent symbol of North Korea's past ambitions or evolve into a new stage in the country's development, the Ryugyong Hotel remains a fascinating subject of discussion and speculation.

Keywords: Ryugyong Hotel, Hotel of Doom, Phantom Pyramid