#023 l Ryugyong Hotel l PYONGYANG l 330m l 105fl

[D-Mac]

Ryugyong Hotel
Pyongyang, North Korea

HEIGHT: 330m/1,083 feet
FLOORS: 105 floors
COMPLETION: 1991 ( Topping Out )
ARCHITECT: Baikdoosan Architects & Engineers

3000 room hotel that was never finished, but would have been the tallest hotel in the world at "completion"

The North Koreans began constructing the pyramid-shaped Ryugyong in 1987, reportedly aiming for 105 stories to beat out a structure the South Koreans were building in Singapore (not Kuala Lumpur). With 3,000 rooms and an estimated cost of $750 million, the thing was strictly an ego trip for North Korea's rulers--Pyongyang's few existing hotels were, and are, virtually empty. In 1991, some time after the Ryugyong had been topped out, work halted for unknown reasons, though "out of money" would be a good guess. The 3.9-millon-square-foot concrete structure is lit up at night, at least in propaganda pictures, but is thought to be crumbling.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/ryug01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/ryug02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/ryug03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/ryug04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/abl.jpg

[RafflesCity]

7.5/10

I am impressed with this very unusual design. It would be fantastic if completed..even better than the TransAmerica Pyramid.
Is that 3rd picture the 'back' of it?

[NickT]

6/10 too may floors for its height. Strange desgin

[Caledon1981]

yuk . . . needs to be all glass or something other than the repetitive hotel/condo look . .. 4.5/10

[Muse]

Height is no compensation for this one. Just looks like a, well an unfinished building in a newer type-yet-not communist bloc monolithic style.

0 for height and

0 for not being completed.

3 for style (or lack of it) and form.

2 for trying to be different, yet -1 for not achieving this completely.

Ummmm, calculating in head......http://www.plauder-smilies.de/uhoh.gif....so difficult....um.....:?......brings it to.........http://www.plauder-smilies.de/sad/nixweiss.gif.....almost there.......

UH! Ka-ching!!! Brings it to a total of 3; no, no, i mean 4. http://www.plauder-smilies.de/person/jaybee.gif

[AG]

Sad to say that'll never get completed. :(

There are too many floors in this building for it's height, about 2.9m high for each floor.

It's way too wide and does not fit in with any other aurrounding buildings.

4/10

[SUNNI]

nice try, 3, for its height

[cgrassham]

Shame it will never be completed, but surely there must be too many floors for its height. If completed it would be beautiful, but it isn't. What a shame. :bleep:

[DrumCorpsAlum]

5/10. Yuck. It's just sitting there doing nothing.

[Jasonhouse]

An incomplete hulking mass of concrete that will very soon become a serious liability to the structures and people that surround it, as its exposed innards deteriorate rapidly. A complete disaster, perhaps memorable only for this dubious distinction.

The only redeeming quality is the thought of lost potential...

2.0/10

[Patrick]

ugly but althought interesting 8.0

[Ersh]

As it is, it's an odd looking brown triangle that stands above all. 6.5/10

If it were finished, I'm sure it would have been a very impressive building all in glass like in that rendering in the last pic.

[Sunflower]

What are it's redeeming features?

2/10

[Subdude]

Man, this is so freakin' ugly. I'll give it a 10, however, because I don't want to upset the Dear Leader and be hauled off to a re-education camp!

[CTroyMathis]

I have very little like for this monumental shell... 2.

[ryanr]

Wish they completed it and put the glass panels, then it would be an 8/10.

But at the moment i rate it 4.5/10.

[Procurator]

Gross.

[TYW]

6/10

not very nice

anyway, why is it counted as the 25th tallest skyscraper?? it is not completed!

[wonderboy905]

3

Looks like the centre peice at some corn dog amusement park. Yet if I could visit 10 structures in the world this one would be on the list, it'd be awesome to see the decay and dellapadated state of the entrance.

A modern day ruin! Too bad it will never stand the test of time and is bound to crumble or at least whither away...

They should at least try to make it into something, like the world's tallest monument, they could have a contest out of the regular citizens and the winner would be the one the building stands in honour of... and when you die you could get buried beneath it. hehe

[Daniel8ty8]

That's one of the ugliest buildings that could ever have been built, but because it's in Pyongyang, a city where color and decent urban design are surely illegal, it just looks like a taller extension of the terrain.

4.0

[SteelCity32]

Well, It wouldn't be ugly if they ever finished it. They should move it elsewhere. NK is not the place for it. 8/10

[falco]

what an ugly piece of shit

[bayareakid]

I give it a 5/10. If it was completed, I would have given it a 10/10. I aslo have a question, if it's never going to get completed, what is it doing just sitting there?

[Steven]

they might as well demolish this one and put something better in its place.

4.5/10

[SUNNI]

their too poor the demolish it. they are also too poor to complete it:D

[Liz L]

2/10 - What an ugly hulk!! It might have been nice with glass curtain walls, but as it is...:no:
SO let me get this straight, fellow posters - the Koreans don't have enough money to finish this thing OR demolish it?
In that case, is it being used at all? And does it even qualify to be on a list of the world's tallest buildings? :?
OK, if the Koreans are just going to let this thing rot away, I will NEVER, EVER complain again about the old barns I sometimes see that are being left to fall down on their own....

[Bobdreamz]

the shape is ugly to begin with and now it's abandoned..this looks like something that would have been built in Las Vegas...but it would probably look better there!...lol...less than 3/10..

[Sonie]

Why is the ruins on the list ? incomplete closed empty debris !

[CG5]

I give it an 8.5/10, but let me explain - I do not look at this as a building, per se. Instead, I view this structure as a giant sculpture...the largest work of art ever created by man. It's a massive monument to all of the Asian buildings which never even made it to the construction stage because of the overbuilding of the late 1990's. It's the most visible victim of the skyscraper craze, where almost everything was designed to be too big, too tall, too loud, and too much. It's too cool.

From a sculptural standpoint, it's a masterpiece.

From an architectural one, it's not too hot. If it had been completed, I'd probably have given it a 6. The sheer massive-ness of this structure is jaw-dropping, but the design is a little lackluster.

Okay, I'm done now. :)

[Jeff from Winnipeg]

It is quite ugly and all (oh what could have been!), but i gave it a 5/10 cuz big abandoned buildings seem to intrique me. I don't know what it is; the feeling of what could have been or the mysteriousness surrounding its downfall. Or maye it's that i'd wanna go explore it someday...

[SydneyDude]

it would have been amazing if they had completed it. but just looking at it, makes me very sad indeed. Its a sad state of affairs.

[SeeMacau]

4 / 10
I don't like the building
Very bad design

[arnold]

i can't believe that i've never seen this monster before... its almost unbelievable. morbidly fascinating... 3/10.

[mookiecece]

do they show this building in that new james bond flick?

[Wu-Gambino]

1/10

A ugly,slummy, run-down, decaying, communist dump!

[Sonie]

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Napptown G </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Ugly, old, slummy, run-down, decaying, communist dump! 0 :rant:</td></tr>
</table>

I fully agree.
And we should eliminate this from the list.

[Roscoe]

needs to be all glass or something other than the repetitive hotel/condo look
I agree. 4/10

[Cliff]

From the pictures, I can concude that it is actually a 3-wingged building.

A very beautiful and majestictic building in it's own way, makes the skyline. A bold attempt and since the hardest part has been done, would say that it is considered as complete.

Not ugly, just not beautiful, out of pity and honesty, I'll give it a 10.

[Sunflower]

you can't rate a building 10 out of pity...especially not this one... >(

[rj2uman]

I bet it looks really imposing at night in it's stolid bleakness. 5/10

[Cliff]

Does it really look so bad?
http://www.worldcityphotos.org/KoreaDPR/KRN-Pyongyang-WillowHotel.JPG

[Sunflower]

yes.

[SeeMacau]

It looks like the China before

[KGB]

If this building were actually completed, it would have been another sad blow to the IQ of architecture....it's worth far more now for entertainment value. Just have a good laugh and be glad it isn't in your city.



KGB

[jovenus]

The flat triangular shape makes it looks like a sandwitch. Will do better if it is an archaeology ruin, reminds me of the tower of babel

[CULWULLA]

I like it!! it so different, it looks so futuristic and it actually looks finished, i think its only incomplete inside. Just the way it is so massive at base and terminates to a spire. brilliant!!! wish this was built in Chicago of NY!!;)
10/10:D

[SUNNI]

its incomplete inside and out.. its suppose to to have a very nice glass covering to it...

[Wu-Gambino]

It looks like it is old and run down. Who stays in Pyongyang? Why do they need a hotel so big???

[Liz L]

Napptown G, I strongly suspect that this sad ruin resulted from the Dear or Great Leader's egomania, over-optimistic central planners, plain ol'incompetence, and N. Korea's long-running economic meltdown.....

Thanks for the news about Germaine! GO PACERS!
:colgate: :colgate: :colgate:

Culwulla, you're right - that way, it might have actually been completed...:D

[Wu-Gambino]

http://home.t-online.de/home/highrises/pyryugyo.jpg

I am trying to find more pics.

Vincy shouldn't start INJURED!!

[Wu-Gambino]

More.

http://www.worldcityphotos.org/KoreaDPR/KRN-Pyongyang-MTorres1.jpg

http://www.worldcityphotos.org/KoreaDPR/KRN-Pyongyang-MTorres6.jpg

http://www.worldcityphotos.org/KoreaDPR/KRN-Pyongyang-PHorton2.jpg

[Wu-Gambino]

It ruins the skyline.

http://www.worldcityphotos.org/KoreaDPR/KRN-Pyongyang-TCKim1.jpg

[Westin Peachtree]

skyline?

[RafflesCity]

Those are great pics Napptown!

This building MAKES the skyline;)

[renell]

this building could be good for rock climbing. too bad to rate.

[Reaching Skies]

I think 20 tons of T.N.T. would be sufficient to bring the monstrous ruin down... 1/10 :bash:

[Liz L]

Good point, Reaching Skies - I wonder if we could... umm ... take up a little collection toward this worthy goal, which would be a true gesture of international good will, as it were, and one that would be in the best tradition of pure benevolence and easing suffering. That would allow the North Korean government, as financially strapped as they are, to handle this situation in the right way, and at the same time get the maximum "bang for their buck.":D :D (with independent verification that the TNT wasn't used elsewhere, of course :D!)

I think many of the people might be grateful to see their skyline "adjusted" , and perhaps "Dear Leader" and his henchmen could then, with great relief, rewrite that little bit of history and try to pretend that that huge mistake never happened...:D

[CtrlAltDel]

How about if we ever catch Osama, we strap him on a plane, put it on auto-pilot and fly him into this building. Two birds with one stone?

[Reaching Skies]

good idea, @CtrlAltDel, let it be called as the project "peacemaker" :D probably the structure 's mass of concrete is so big that a cargo airplane with tons of explosives is needed... to adjust the skyline!;)

[mookiecece]

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Napptown G </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>
I am trying to find more pics.

Vincy shouldn't start INJURED!!</td></tr>
</table>

yeah vince shoulen't start injured... it happens all the time though, last year it was grant hill who played like 5 games for the entire season.. I think Antoine Walker or Abdul-Rahim should've been the starter for the eastern conference... if not paul pierce even though he's a fukin COCK!!

[mookiecece]

and yao ming should not have been selected to start... shaq deserves better even though I like yao over him... shaq's simply the better player.

[tcloo]

I reckon it doesn't look really nice ;o(

[Liz L]

I just heard the other night that this hunk-o-junk also has serious structural defects, yet another reason why it was never finished. Anyone else heard anything about this?

[Reaching Skies]

luckily I'm not living next to it... :D

[Ashram]

5/10 Interesting design, too bad it won't get finished(or will it?).

[Chi-town]

What crackheads gave this thing a 10.

If anything, it's a monument to the failure of Stalinist Communism.

[Chi-town]

On the bright side, maybe we can help the North Koreans demolish this thing on our way home from Iraq. Who needs a demolitions crew when you've got smart bombs...

[The Messiah]

No!Don't do this to me!Damn this is ugly.Maybe if it is finished it looks ok,but i can't judge that....
4.0/10

[deep sea buildings]

this building sums up everything north korea stands for...4 out of 10!

[Wu-Gambino]

LOL! That is true!:D

[deep sea buildings]

i'm not trying to be offensive here but i need to ask...

what were the Pyongyang developers/officials thinking when they made the decision to build this 3000 room hotel (the biggest hotel on earth)? were they honestly hoping to fill this thing upon it's completion? and if so, who with? certainly not tourists or business people, surely?!!

[Westin Peachtree]

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by deep sea buildings </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>i'm not trying to be offensive here but i need to ask...

what were the Pyongyang developers/officials thinking when they made the decision to build this 3000 room hotel (the biggest hotel on earth)? were they honestly hoping to fill this thing upon it's completion? and if so, who with? certainly not tourists or business people, surely?!!</td></tr>
</table>

Very good point...
Who is even allowed to visit North Korea today? What the crap were they thinking?!?
I think they just built it to show that North Korea was and could be powerful on it's own but it obviously failed horrbily. I hope the government looks at that everyday and they realize what a complete failure their country is.

[Wu-Gambino]

Mabey this is where they store their WOMDs.

[huaiwei]

I didnt know N Korea imports Tolberone (shitz my spelling sucks today) Chocolates? :D

[hforhenry]

Terrible Building!

[Jue]

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by deep sea buildings </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>i'm not trying to be offensive here but i need to ask...

what were the Pyongyang developers/officials thinking when they made the decision to build this 3000 room hotel (the biggest hotel on earth)? were they honestly hoping to fill this thing upon it's completion? and if so, who with? certainly not tourists or business people, surely?!!</td></tr>
</table>
Political prisoners of course. At 35 people per room, 3,000 rooms, you can stuff the monstrosity with 105,000 enemies of the state before you accidentally fly a 757 into it. :D

[SUNNI]

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Westin Peachtree </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top><table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by deep sea buildings </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>i'm not trying to be offensive here but i need to ask...

what were the Pyongyang developers/officials thinking when they made the decision to build this 3000 room hotel (the biggest hotel on earth)? were they honestly hoping to fill this thing upon it's completion? and if so, who with? certainly not tourists or business people, surely?!!</td></tr>
</table>

Very good point...
Who is even allowed to visit North Korea today? What the crap were they thinking?!?
I think they just built it to show that North Korea was and could be powerful on it's own but it obviously failed horrbily. I hope the government looks at that everyday and they realize what a complete failure their country is.</td></tr>
</table> the only reason they tried to build this thing was to show they can build something taller than the KLI 63 building in Seoul...

[ogurets]

What are you lot on about?
I actually think this thing looks pretty good.
And it deserves an 8.
Why?

OK for starters it's a highly improbable building in a completely impossible location. I reckon it deserves at least three points just for its sheer incongruousness. I mean so what if they build another scraper in Chicago? Who is going to notice, apart from freaks like me?

Secondly, it is at least a bit different in its design. Rather than going for the traditional "big rectangular box" approach, they have opted for a kind of ziggurat. The sharpness of the angle chosen for the point is truly weird - not quite a spire, and not quite a pyramid. Perhaps this accounts for its structural instability?

Thirdly, it probably wont last that long. I mean let's face it, as soon as they're finished with Iraq, it's pretty obvious who's next on the list. And they aren't going to bother with so-called precision bombing, when you think about how much scarier the North Koreans are than the Iraqis. So it gets extra points for rarity value.

Fourthly, it actually does look pretty cool.

Fifthly, no i don't have anything better to do with my life, or else i would be doing it instead if trying to think of a sixth reason why this building deserves an 8....

[Westin Peachtree]

If this POS were completed with that glass covering it would be a 10! But giving it an 8 when all it does is sit there and crumble is bad IMO. I agree it is a great skyscraper...but this should not count on the worlds tallest list because this building has been abandoned.

[ogurets]

well, not completely abandoned...
it probably is inhabited by lots of brids, insects, etc...

plus, they might get around to finishing it one day, who knows?

Surely the North Korean government can't go on for ever in its current state? And how long would any normal government that might replace it allow a half-finished building of this scale to rot in the middle of the capital?

And even if the communists stay in power, eventually they will be embarrassed enough to do something about the building, either demolish it or finish it, regardless of whether they can afford it or not - simply cos they would look stupid otherwise.

Either it will be completed in the next 4 years, or demolished.
That's what i think, anyway.
This could make an interesting wager, if anyone is interested!
So, i'm just off to set up a poll on this...

[ogurets]

The poll is called
"What's going to happen to the Rugyong hotel, Pyongyang?"
and it's under "SkyScrapers and Towers".
Enjoy!

[Wisma]

4!!! just:puke:

[Evergrey]

10

The manifestation of pure insanity

This building is scary

There is nothing in the world like this... and I doubt there ever will be

This building is straight out of a nightmare

And for these inglorious reasons... it gets a 10 from me...

[airsickpenthousedweller]

As I said elsewhere:

Lots of lights and neon on it would make it into the classiest hotel in Las Vegas.

[TropicalSQ744]

That bloody dictator spent $750 million on this scraper without a thought for the starving people of *his* nation??!! Plus it's so freaking ugly!! :bleep:

-9392928792/10

[coldstar]

Reportedly, N.Korea gave up finishing this ruins because they cannot rob Japan,S Korea and USA of the money any more.
Now this tower begins to collapse. It is not equipped with windowpanes and electric light bulbs at all. The reinforced concretes of it are falling down from everywhere. According to Japanese architects who visited N.Korea last year, this vanity tower would be flatten down in a few years. :applause:

pic of the devastation.
http://www16.tok2.com/home/tanken/hotel1.jpg

ironically,this is a showcase of the poverty and the miserably low technology of N.Korea. :tongue2: :tongue3:

- 9392928792392928792392928792 / 10
::puke: :puke: :puke: ::puke: :puke: :puke: :toilet: :toilet: :toilet::toilet: :toilet: :toilet:

[London™]

3/10 with no doubts

[Christianmx]

I give it a seven because it has potential. You never know, maybe in a few years they will finish it and it could look like in the picture that is inside the picture at the beggining of the thread. If they covered it with glass, it would be one of the best buildings in the world.

[Falcaonet]

Completed or not it looks like sh...2/10 enough said

[james2390]

eek, 4

[7 World Trade]

man, dunno why the NK ppl even bothered to try build this. i mean, there're very few ppl that would visit north korea, so why they even try to build it? if they even finish it, they wouldn't be able to pay off the construction cost. man, 750 million spent just to build "north korea's folly" that would crumble in years.

oh well, guess this is gonna be the tallest building to be destroyed by mother nature. but it'd be cool if vegas build something like that. but in this current state, it looks like crap.

3 out of 10 :puke:

[TallBox]

north korea = dirty commies!

3 or less out of 10




j/k



i like the design, sort of brutalist - from the outside it looks concrete. it'd look fantastic in a city like moscow if it was maintained properly

[AtlanticaC5]

A big, empty, ugly shell of concrete!! 3 or less!

[SFtoBoise]

0/10

If it was covered in glass and completed it would get a ten. As the artical stated, the North Korean Government could use this for propaganda and fear. Imagine trying to revolt against the goverment and look up and see this.:
http://www.worldcityphotos.org/KoreaDPR/KRN-Pyongyang-PHorton2.jpg

[Labrador]

5/10
It would've been better if they made it half the size, and in doing so enabling themselves to complete it without going bankrupt. Failing that, it would have been good if they spent the money on housing/food for the poor.
It's a shame it never got completed as it looks like a modern day pyramid, and still has potential to be something...
:)

[Trances]

Love the modern day pyramid
Imagine sets of these things
I hope that It stands and I get to see it one day
Mabey it should be left as lost city like ankor ?

[Fabio]

4/10


I don't like it at all.

[MCC]

3.5/10

[luis]

no 4/10

[AMS guy]

Scary and ugly! It reminds me about the book: "1984" by Orwell.

I give it 2 for "design".

And 10 for causing me this agonizing feeling I haven't experienced in last 15 years.
:puke:

[waterloo]

67 people vote less than 3.5...many people hate North Korea...

[manx_bkk]

6.5/10
Nice pyramid shape but looks too plain.
It would have been better if it was covered with glass.

[CaptainJackSparrow]

I give it a 6, it's fascinating. Looks pretty bad when it's not finished yet I can't look away. It would have gotten a 10 if complete. That little picture of it covered in glass looks very cool.

[alex3000]

4.5/10

[Þróndeimr]

That building is just soooooo Ugly and so scary, but a fantastic building because its so scary. 4/10

[PHLguy]

Originally posted by waterloo

67 people vote less than 3.5...many people hate North Korea...


Yes most people do hate north korea, it is an extremely hostile and unwelcoming country...


i feel sorry for you that you have to live right under it:|

[waterloo]

i feel sorry for you that you have to live right under it

It isnt that bad, North and South seems to be in good mood lately..

[Aquarius]

0, no comments, are they going to destroy it, not?

[ParraMan]

7

A very dark and evil looking structure, I have always loved this building since I read about in the Guiness Book of Records ten years ago or something and am still waiting to see it in real life.

Gets points for abovementioned evilness, and also height. Don't like the pyramid shape though, makes it far too big at base. Deifintely in current form not sleek enough for me.

[Trances]

am still waiting to see it in real life ?
How would you do that
This must be one of the least visited Tall buildings
even least seen

[ParraMan]

Me very adventurous and want to try everything and see everything at least once. This more than others because not many people get to see it, so I would be one of the lucky ones I guess.

[waterloo]

Me very adventurous and want to try everything and see everything at least once. This more than others because not many people get to see it, so I would be one of the lucky ones I guess.

Wait little bit more until the unification day of south and north! You will see the new renovated Ryugyung Hotel!

[ParraMan]

If I am lucky, I will get to see it both ways- before AND after. Can't wait til reunification though (if it happens), what a huge party!!!!

[Liz L]

ParraMan, you might need to hurry up if you want to see it, because I suspect that it might be beyond salvaging in a few more years. Just look at the big chunks of concrete laying around in that one picture....

[Primo]

the worst building ever 0/10,

[skyperu34]

of course i´d give to this building a 10 if finished, but it just deserves a 7. The design is good, innovative and dominating (not because of the fact that there are no tall buildings surrounding it) The building is great itself even as it actually looks. Shame that Ryugyong is abandoned........................

[Jo]

I think you guys are confusing architecture with politics.. and why are we judging it as a completed building?

As far as uncompleted building skeletons goes this is not so bad.. if looked at from a distance ;)

[LeCom]

Big and dumb, but SOOOOO cool cause it's abandoned. 10/10

[Imperfect Ending]

8/10

Its kinda creative. I like it.

[zaceman]

this isnt even a building. jeez, take it off the list.

[Daniil N.]

Whow!!! The ugliest an scariest building here!! I love all the "most". >( :cool:

[Necker]

6/10

[bohemian|senses]

Wow!!! I totally didn't know this existed!!! :D I love it, it's great!!! Too bad it didn't get completed... :( It would have been a trully religious experience to behold it in all its magnificence. It still gets a very decent mark...

9/10

Good job, DPR Korea...it would have totally kicked any South Korean building's ass.

[Mark_from_Shenzhen]

intimidating :ohno:

[james2390]

How does this get twenty 10's?

[Trances]

cause its so freaky and over powering
there is to to impressive than just good looks

[redstone]

Well ,they over estimated themselves with this thing.
But nevertheless ,one amazing building.Wish it would be completed fully ,or rebuild it in another East Asian city.
Looks like a mountain ,as weak as a shack.

It would be perfect if it was completed.It'll lways be known as the first building in Asia to break 100 floors.

For the record ,the image ,the sheer size ,9/10.

10/10 if it was completed fully ,with standard and opens as a 6-star hotel.

[beyond 1000]

Since this building will never be completed, I must rate it as it is and NOT as it could have been.

Firstly for height 9.0/10
For looks 5/10

For present display that is crumbling since this is all that will come of it and my OFFICIAL rating....0/10!

[Schroedinger's Cat]

3.5/10

[DD2020]

Marvelous Idea!

An only drawback is the color is too dull.

8.5/10

[Mahaputra]

watt.. it wasnt completed? what a waste.. if they completed it.. it would be a nice skyscraper...

[Trances]

cnat belive it still in the top 20

[Iiee]

I wonder what was the point of building such a hotel...I read that their annual amount of tourist is beyond 100. :lol:
If finished 3/10 (if somewhere else than NK and that awful skyline, it'd be 5/10)
but now 0/10

[Matthieu]

2 for me.

[yoyo22]

0/10 (incomplete)

You never forget this, nor the madness behind it. Like most skyscrapers, this is about ego and pride, except this guy had no reason whatsoever for existing, it would never have even recouped a fraction of its operating costs (probably 1% occupancy...during the "busy season"). Economics aside, it might have been an original design and interesting. If everything looked like the rendering I would give it 6 or 7 for architecture and design, probably deduct some points for insanity. But its not finished, and its a hulking menace. It was meant to be a symbol of North Korea, and boy did they succeed at that.

[jmancuso]

9/10. this is a cool building; straight outta blade runner

it would be a 10/10 if the glass facade was finished.

[Gerard]

It is something different. Ugly but that is not a problem. 8/10

[Justadude]

Seems like politics is playing heavy on this thread.

Dislike of dictators/Commies/egomaniacs aside, I still find this to be one of the most unique and visually engaging buildings I've seen so far. Of course, the glass would bring it up to current architectural trends, but even with the plain face it creates an overwhelming impression of size. Can you imagine the godlike feeling of having a room right at the spire?

I suspect this one is going to end up getting carried off by bulldozers, but for the time being it's a truly unique building in its own right, and one fairly outside the architectural mainstream. It's huge, it dominates everything around it, and its shape is universally recognizable. If this had been completed and located in Chicago instead of Pyongyang it would be getting 10s by the handful... 8/10

[jmancuso]

I suspect this one is going to end up getting carried off by bulldozers, but for the time being it's a truly unique building in its own right, and one fairly outside the architectural mainstream.

not becuase they will knock it down but that this building is expected to collapse on its own.

[DamienK]

Imposing pyramid. Shame it's uncompleted. I'm not sure if it was mentioned earlier in this thread but its height has been discovered to be actually 330 m, which explains the high floor count.

7/10

[Len]

Did someone go into North Korea to take the pics?

[DïegôLG]

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, more or less.
7/10

[sojourner truth ™]

Why do you people want to fly an Airplane on it? Evil vs Evil?

EDIT: Oh wait, the people living in North Korea are "commies", their lives don't really count. :D

Go get an A380, oh wait, that's German, the people who built it have commie blood in them. Get an all-American B-747-400 to demolish the building and kill the people in the surrounding areas!

[Ellatur]

stfu

you're no better than osama bin laden with that kinda shitty thoughts

[sojourner truth ™]

Err... I was flaming the people who wanted to fly an Airplane into that building... Or is that what you were flaming me for?

Why do you people want to fly an Airplane on it? Evil vs Evil?

[DuskTrooper]

Hideous.

[Woor20]

That building is a piece of junk. Maybe, if they were to finish it years ago, I'll probably changed my mind about it. But, I'll have to say that the Ryungyong Hotel is an example of how poor and despotic communist North Korea really is. Communism just never worked at all, its a failed concept. You have a lot of North Koreans that are starving to death and I personally think that the North Korean communist regime should just collapse and allow capitalism to roam freely. That's all I have to say.

[Kampflamm]

9.0...scary yet beautiful.

[Dubai-Lover]

neither beautiful, nor completed! less than 3

[cicarra]

10!!! This building is extremely majestic, elegant, mythological and subtly blend into the surrounding, adding a mysterious atmosphere to the city of Pyongyang. It can more be described as a ruin of an ancient civilization, a place where man meets god...This one building now dominates the city and is the natural centre of attention. Its grandness is truly overwhelming, and you just feel its power radiating into all directions. The building is beautiful, beyong any traditional concept of architecture. It's complex, yet well-patterned facade is probably one of the best of its kind. The crown is not so simple, but not so complicated. This is what I call time-proof, meaning this building will not look awkward in future unlike most other buildings in the world. And this building is another communist wonder, which sometimes can be really stunning. I really wouldn't mind to have this building right in the middle of my city's downtown.

[vid]

Brutal man! No really, this thing is on the edge of Brutalism- a big concrete shell with few windows. Does North Korea actually expect tourists? It would have been nice if it was finished, too bad it wasn't. It's a shame the building was the first outside America to have more than 100 floors, but the shape and location are intreguing. I gave it a 6.

[TallBox]

looks cool

i'm sure we'd have seen a lot more of this contemporary stalinist architecture if the soviet union had survived.

[SungIEman]

Why do you people want to fly an Airplane on it? Evil vs Evil?

EDIT: Oh wait, the people living in North Korea are "commies", their lives don't really count. :D

Go get an A380, oh wait, that's German, the people who built it have commie blood in them. Get an all-American B-747-400 to demolish the building and kill the people in the surrounding areas!

LMAO! German had commie blood in them?!?! They were the one who opposed communism the most! go get your facts straight

[Matthieu]

10!!! This building is extremely majestic, elegant, mythological and subtly blend into the surrounding, adding a mysterious atmosphere to the city of Pyongyang. It can more be described as a ruin of an ancient civilization, a place where man meets god...This one building now dominates the city and is the natural centre of attention. Its grandness is truly overwhelming, and you just feel its power radiating into all directions. The building is beautiful, beyong any traditional concept of architecture. It's complex, yet well-patterned facade is probably one of the best of its kind. The crown is not so simple, but not so complicated. This is what I call time-proof, meaning this building will not look awkward in future unlike most other buildings in the world. And this building is another communist wonder, which sometimes can be really stunning. I really wouldn't mind to have this building right in the middle of my city's downtown.


Well, it would be true at the size of 1000m. This one is not that tall, only 330m. This thing never, and will never, be majestuous ruin.

[cicarra]

LMAO! German had commie blood in them?!?! They were the one who opposed communism the most! go get your facts straight
It was a German who invented communism.

[TPX]

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

3.5/10

i give it credit for having a good shape, but god this is a failure.

[Avatar]

10/10

Most people would roast me for that score but I truely as a designer think its worthy.

Maybe the technolology was not there and maybe the hulking monolith has structural defects but all in all it was a brazen attempt to develp something truly inspiring in an original sense it totally succeeds.

I will agree with some of you that it would have looked awesome completed with a complete reflective glass curtain. I think it may have looked even more incongrous with it surroundings then though. Right now to me it is reminicent of the ruins of ancient egypt, and awesome statue to failed communism and egocentric behaviour.

It has an intrigue, ruins are eerie, desolate and creepy, this looks akin to a post apocalyptic war scenario and the interest here helps to make it more highly rated for me - I'd love to explore it.

All those that say it should be struck from the list of tall buildings, I disagree, the basic structure has been completed, the things appears as a tangible form at its full height and in its final shape. I do hope they get this completed and the defects in construction are not too difficult to overcome. It will be a shame if it is to be demolished throught sheer incompetence and a lack of finance. I think as a hotel it was too ambitious but it could be used for public housing and part as a hotel. People should remember that while there may not be many visitors from overseas, there will be people within the nation that may have the requirement for accommodation.

[therock]

????????

5/10!!

[Monkey]

2/10

In its current state: a hideous structure ... and quite eerie looking.

This had potential, though. A thoroughly wasted opportunity.

[gentlejunho]

definitely the worst design from what I have ever seen.

[Trances]

well said avatar glad there si sme support for this fien building

[TheBaseTower]

tell u the truth, make me wanna vomit... :x

[Ellatur]

10/10

Most people would roast me for that score but I truely as a designer think its worthy.

Maybe the technolology was not there and maybe the hulking monolith has structural defects but all in all it was a brazen attempt to develp something truly inspiring in an original sense it totally succeeds.

I will agree with some of you that it would have looked awesome completed with a complete reflective glass curtain. I think it may have looked even more incongrous with it surroundings then though. Right now to me it is reminicent of the ruins of ancient egypt, and awesome statue to failed communism and egocentric behaviour.

It has an intrigue, ruins are eerie, desolate and creepy, this looks akin to a post apocalyptic war scenario and the interest here helps to make it more highly rated for me - I'd love to explore it.

All those that say it should be struck from the list of tall buildings, I disagree, the basic structure has been completed, the things appears as a tangible form at its full height and in its final shape. I do hope they get this completed and the defects in construction are not too difficult to overcome. It will be a shame if it is to be demolished throught sheer incompetence and a lack of finance. I think as a hotel it was too ambitious but it could be used for public housing and part as a hotel. People should remember that while there may not be many visitors from overseas, there will be people within the nation that may have the requirement for accommodation.

:applause:

[Jules]

It's hideous. 3.

[Zuelas]

4

Interesting design but nothin else goin for it..... sad sad

[STR]

+8 for basic design
-4 for facade
+2 for uniqueness
-4 for symbolism
___
2 Total Score.

And a few pics to boot:
http://christianspoo.com/monuments/ryugyonghotel.jpg http://www.budowle.pl/najwyzsze/grafika/ryugyong_hotel.jpg

http://www.hiddenhistory.info/images/Pyongyang-W.jpg
http://crowcroft.net/jpg/dprk2_10.jpg

Is it just me or does the aerials of Pyongyang make the whole city look really, really bleak.

[Imperial]

BIG but ugly 3/10

[RafflesCity]

@STR, I dunno but I've yet to see a night pic of its skyline.

[B@dGuYoM]

i give a 7/10 and with a great facade a 9/10

[Emilie]

@STR, I dunno but I've yet to see a night pic of its skyline.

Well, all the lights are OFF in Pyongyang during the night. The only light is what in french we call "La tour des idées du Juché". That would be "the juche's Ideals tower". Drawn by Kim Jong-Il (Son of Kim Il-Sung) to celebrate the dear leader's 70th birthday. Highest granit tower in the word, and only light shining in Pyonpyang's night.
How do I know all that?
I happen to have on my knees an amazing french comic book, about a two-month journey in North-Korea. That's how I ended up on this website, actually. I was looking for pictures of this gigantic pyramid which has three pages for herself in the book.

I'm feeling generous today and I'm going to scan you the pages. Be right back.

[Emilie]

Here goes the pictures.
I'm posting links, not to flood or slow the topic.

EN VERSION ORIGINALE, FRANÇAIS :
Page 1, français (http://membres.lycos.fr/emiliereturns/mix/Ryugyong1_FR.jpg)
Page 2, français (http://membres.lycos.fr/emiliereturns/mix/Ryugyong2_FR.jpg)
Page 3, français (http://membres.lycos.fr/emiliereturns/mix/Ryugyong3_FR.jpg)

IN ENGLISH. The (Lame) traduction is all mine.
Page 1, english (http://membres.lycos.fr/emiliereturns/mix/Ryugyong1_FR.jpg)
Page 2, english (http://membres.lycos.fr/emiliereturns/mix/Ryugyong2_EN.jpg)
Page 3, english (http://membres.lycos.fr/emiliereturns/mix/Ryugyong3_EN.jpg)

Copyright quote : Guy Delisle, "Pyongyang", published by l'Association in year 92 of the Juche (wich means 2003 to us occidentals).

By the way, this book is AMAZING.
If you wonder about leaving under communism, or working in the most closed country in the world, you MUST read.
If you want to share politics with a french, please contact me on my MSN. (i'm warning you, I very pro-European Union!) :baaa:

[jimm]

5/10

[Filip]

OMG! That tower is amazing! 10/10

[GuilhermeC]

Immensive. It's an engeneering miracle. But too inovative for me. Don't like it.
5/10

[darad]

Alien, ancient, spooky, sad and mysterious. Like something unearthed from a lost civilization out of an Orwellian novel...right smack in one of the most isolated places on the planet! As cold and deserted as it seems it may as well be in Antarctica, might get more visitors. If it were in a more deserving place like Las Vegas with glitz, glass, lights and fountains (and a better color) it would be magnificant. So much time, money and labor of a poor country for no one to benefit from if it never gets completed. Something still captivates me about this structure and I can't decide if I like it or I don't so I give it a 5/10, for interest sake.

[ignoramus]

No one has any pictures of this screwed up ''hotel'' close up right. All the pictures I have seen so far are like from across that Pyongyang River or at the very best a few kilometres away. The authorities don't let anyone near that hotel right? It must be the only skyscraper in the top 100 which people know very little of in terms of its technical data, photographs etc.

0 for appearence.

10 for scaring the heck out of you.

[ignoramus]

Looking at the pictures, it either looks like
- You have arrived on Mars and that is a structure built by the aliens, green 3 eyed creatures. (Think Star Wars)
- You have been transported to the year 4500, earth has been destroyed by countless wars, pollution and every single human being is gone.

Pyongyang looks so rotten. I can't believe such a city can exist in the world. Its like letting evil reign.

[Jo]

We should have Vertigo's Pyongyang photos (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=144944&page=1&pp=20) in here! Well, I'll just link to the thread because it would be a shame not to read it. It's one of the most interesting threads I've seen on this forum.

[Shafick]

I like it...10 points...!

:cheers: :dj:

[Tri-City Guy]

It will be interesting to see whatever happens with it. A future Hilton Pyongyang with 5% occupancy - lol Don't think so. The building would look better if clad in glass and its design is off the wall. Still, I think its risking old age looking like a council tower gone bad - if its lucky - thats assuming its finished. I just hope it doesn't sit and crumble. Unless North Korea changes thats exactly whats gonna happen.

[Sitol447]

Very ugly! I give it a 4,5/10

[DamienK]

No one has any pictures of this screwed up ''hotel'' close up right. All the pictures I have seen so far are like from across that Pyongyang River or at the very best a few kilometres away. The authorities don't let anyone near that hotel right? It must be the only skyscraper in the top 100 which people know very little of in terms of its technical data, photographs etc.

0 for appearence.

10 for scaring the heck out of you.

A long time ago, probably in 2001, I saw two photos someone had posted somewhere taken near the base of the tower - looking up. It was the best and closest shot I have ever seen of it, unfortunately, I have no idea where those photos are and I forgot to save them.

Here are some close shots:

http://www.korea-dpr.com/gallery/albums/KoreaisOne/abl.jpg

http://www.xs4all.nl/~davidee/Vertigo/PYON19.jpg

[darad]

Still very nice pictures nonetheless! Thank you!

[andysimo123]

4/10 it looks like s*** and will never be finished.

[tritown]

I have no clue how this got so high in the rankings. It is extremely ugly; I give it a 4.5. I think that's generous.

[Dunes]

I find this building scary.
It is gloomy.
I would never sleep there!!

[Taufiq]

The shape is original and it is a behemoth at 333m
6.5/10

[Matace]

It's like the Ministry of Truth in 1984. You can see it's meant to be overpowering and oppressive structure. It's like a huge sentinal constantly watching the people of Pyongyang. The sooner the free world blows it up the better.

[airefigo]

I think this building is more scary than anythinge else...

could get nightmares when i'm looking at it... I really like tall buildings, but the height of a building isn't everything.

[Paolo]

Its unfinished so it shouldnt be rated - I can imagine it with high quality cladding that would make it quite interesting...
Anyway it is typical for comunism - large scale wasting of money when many people die from hunger in the same time.... :(

[fcarvall]

Oh please people, just because you hate North Korea, you don't have to bash this awesome building. What did you want another giant dildo? This is cool. Too bad they couldn't finish it.

[jimm]

This thread is great, keep working, the show must go on

[HoustonTexas]

I wish some Hollywood Movie producer would see the potential... How erie it is, its concrete shell... I bet it looks like the Chernobyl reactor 4 in there... MAN I want to see a scary movie taken place inside of it. Like one day, the Hotel was struck by lightning, all the glass blew out, the rooms and furniture disaperred without a trace, and all the guests VANISHED! a modern day Hollywood Tower Hotel! :)

[HoustonTexas]

Its also a shame all the money that was poured into it... coulda gone to me!! ;)

[fcarvall]

Yeah they could have finished their WMDs instead of building useless buildings!!!
LOL

[Deep Grey]

This structure's huge size makes it an eye-catcher. It would certainly be nicer to look at if it were completed.

[Cliff]

When I was very young, I dreamt of a conical building, perfect in every way, smooth and pure shiny glass covering it, and down below, was chaos, poverty, the complete opposite of the above.

Years later, when I saw the very first proposal of Millenium Tower, I thought it was the building that I dreamt of, but now, I know, it was Ryugyong Hotel.

http://www.xs4all.nl/~davidee/Vertigo/PYON19.jpg

[E Rocc]

This site (http://shapeofdays.typepad.com/the_shape_of_days/2004/09/the_ryugyong_ho_1.html) says that it was on the official Pyongyang maps when it didn't exist, and isn't on them now that it (sort of) does.

[empersouf]

6.0 It's not so bad.

[SkyHawk]

6/10

[mk61]

its the physical embodiment of the North Korean regime, its overinflated ego and the ultimate folly of its existence. Fitting that its construction has been abandoned and it is falling apart. Very symbolic. For this 10/10.

Yes - this is the world's tallest ugliest folly.

overall less than 3.

before anybody says we're judging the building and not the people who built it - the two are intimately interrelated. You cant remove the purpose for the structure from the structure's existence.

[philip]

It would certainly be VERY IMPRESSIVE if it was completed. It's very sad to see one of the worlds tallest building being left there to rot.

[gruber]

there are 112 3 or less votes.
and other 60 less tha 5.5

so...how is possible that ugly building have a average of 6.3??????

[lrd1rocha]

While it is impressive in its own peculiar way, that doesn't hide the fact that this "monument" was never finished. Besides, the building is so pitifuly designed (one of the reasons why probably it wasn't completed) and it seems so out of place on the city's skyline (or lack of skyline) don't help at all. 3.0/10.

[BHK25]

Just to look at that fourth picture give me chills. looks like a ghost city, soo empty and that thing soo tall but empty. the design its horrible. maybe if they cover it with glass I'd change my mind.. ANywyas The only thing going or it its the height 4.0

[kim jong II]

10/10 greatest skyscraper in the world

[O.G. Gnarkill]

^Go figure!

[Sonic from Padova]

0!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reflex]

Ugly, ugly, ugly!!! :bash:
But anyway, it fascinates me... 4.5/10

[Medo]

I loathe this monster. 1

[london-b]

Yuk! I hate it, 3/10

[MattSal]

Why doesn't someone just blow it up? I give it under 3. :tongue:

[DamienK]

Whoa! Check out this huge picture of the Ryugyong i found. It's the best I've seen yet!

http://homepage3.nifty.com/dprk/ryugyong.JPG

[Nemo01]

It is starting to look like an ancient Egypt pyramid. Later it's gonna be the tomb of farao Kim Yung II

[caw123]

I was thinking the same, it's like some ancient ruin.

[get13]

Eewwwwwwwwwwwwwww

[skiesthelimit]

So how long did they say till it crumbles?

[Pengui]

I think this one should not be rated according to political factors, nor on its unfinished appearance. And I think the finished product would have been great. Extremely original, impressive and iconic. But unfortunately, it was never finished, so we will never know.
7.5

[Pengui]

http://homepage3.nifty.com/dprk/ryugyong.JPG

I counted the floors on this pic and found 93.
I possibly missed some, but, huh, not so many... How comes ? ^^

[360 Modena]

^wow, you could be bothered? why keep it up with no purpose? why not let the 101st tallest tower join this list :) you know, i reckon it'd look good if the top was a shinny gold crown and the rest was covered with dark blue glass :D [the poor thing, sitting in what looks to be the middle of the desert :(]

[superskyline]

wow very ugly
3/10

[spotila]

I really wanna see what it's like inside. 8/10

[Djoez]

Crap!! A bunch of stacked doghouses! Can't take this seriously.2/10 for the height

[Hed Kandi]

I love it it`s like an ancient piramid which just has come out of the sand.
The newest ruine in the world.
Thsi is how earth will look in 30000 years when they dig us up :cheers:

[satit28]

I LOVE IT.......
and some day hope this building will be complete...............

[MILIUX]

Electifying this hotel using the national grid will cause the whole country blackout. yet, maybe they'll just force slave labourers use their pedal powers to generate electricity.

[Phobos]

5/10

It's hard to rate this building because it was not finished,but according to to way I have seen it doesn't appeal me that much.

[The Mad Hatter!!]

i would love to see a rendering of what this building would look like completed,but i doubt i'll find it

[Okapi]

I see nothing except
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/skyscraperrot/boaatl05.jpg

[DRAKKO]

7/10

[Latoso]

0/10 Like Kim Jong Il.

[MDR]

I give it a 10. I think it could be nice in the completed version (despite the poor construction). The decision to build this thing was insane, though.

[Smileyface]

Incredibly ugly but at the same time very impressive. It is difficult to rate it as it is unfinished.....I'll stick in the middle 6/10

[Fern]

Absolutely horrible 3/10

[ksunarjo]

5.0
very mysterious...
SO ORIGINAL..

[malec]

Really strange and surreal looking - 6/10

[staff]

It is so f*cking cool!

Too bad many peoples lives became even more miserable due to what this thing costed, though.

[SoboleuS]

Looks really scary :runaway:
But it would be very impressive building if it were completed...
5/10

[geminiguy7]

weird 6/10

[CborG]

3.5/10

[ROYAL BLUE]

6/10

[Zarkon]

a big monster..

5

[Travis007]

5/10

I kind of like it, it shows the dark side of skyscrapers and the height is something to marvel about, especially because it's in North Korea.

[dewback]

It had potential, but it was never finished. In any case, what was the case of builing a 100+ stories hotel in a country that hosts less than 30,000 tourists a year!? Less than 3, as we are judging buildings, not unfinished shells.

[EarlyBird]

Truly awful. 4/10.

[Accura4Matalan]

7/10. Shame they have left it to rot.

[Javi]

2/10

[El_Greco]

ugly 5/10

[London]

Wow!! on ly if they finish it.....10. Very stylish for 1987 design

but 9 now

[felipegdl]

10/10