North Korea's Ryugyong Hotel Finally May Open Next Year • We Blog The World

BBC notes that the Ryugyong Hotel has become a symbol of North Korea’s economic problems in a recent piece about its long awaited opening, its issues over the years and the fact that its known as an eyesore for many.

The 105-story monstrosity which is centered in North Korean’s capital, Pyongyang, may open sometime next year.

It’s hard to believe, but construction on the hotel actually began 26 years ago and since then, has become known as the “Hotel of Doom”. It makes you wonder if there are other reasons it’s called that since at least upon first glance, it doesn’t look as ugly as other expensive projects of this magnitude have churned out.

The hotel is said that it was slated to open in 1989 in time for the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students but then money troubles hit and so it was delayed.

And, now 26 years later, it may finally open during the 2013 year if all things go well.

According to the same article, analysts say that the building’s hulking, unfinished presence has long been an embarrassment for the North Korean leadership.

And, it was voted “Worst Building in the History of Mankind” by Esquire magazine in 2008. It was referred to as “hideously ugly, even by communist standards.” Whoah. A l’il rough.

Below is another shot.

The Ryugyong Hotel stand above the smog dominating the Pyongyang skyline in 2011

As for costs and why it has been so hard to complete? It is reported to have spent $180m (£112m) on finishing the hotel’s facade. It will be interesting to see if the hotel does in fact open next year as planned. Stay tuned as things progress.

Photo credits: AP/Koryo Group & AP.

Renee Blodgett

Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.

She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.

Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.

Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.