North Korea’s ‘Hotel of Doom’ Is The World’s Tallest Abandoned Building

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This tall pyramid looms eerily over the North Korea’s capital. It is probably one of the world’s most conspicuous construction fails. The building was once a contender for the world’s tallest hotel, but now, it is notoriously known as the world’s largest abandoned building instead.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The 330-meter structure, originally designed by Baikdoosan Architects & Engineers, made its first headlines back in 1987. The building was scheduled to open two years later. However, it got delayed until 1992; when the demise of the Soviet Union, who was an ally and backer, caused a complete halt on the construction activity. Thus, the once promising skyscraper turned into a landscape that taunts the passersby about their country’s troubled history.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The infamous 105-storey Ryugyong Hotel, also known as the “Hotel of Doom,” can expect some renovation as the Egyptian company Orascom has taken over to fire the project up again.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Orascom released a prospectus in June 2012, where it claimed that upon completion; the building would cover 360,000 square meters of floor space, including apartments and offices along with hotel facilities. The structure was expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

It also revealed that Orascom was planning to take a loan of $15 million for this construction which was

“to be repaid when the tower becomes operational.”

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

The 105-floor building has no interior plumbing or electricity at the moment, and according to one estimate, it could require another $2 billion to finish.

We would like to know your thoughts on the renovation of this notorious building. Comment below!

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