All About The Cursed Hotel
Behind the spectacular
In the heart of Pyongyang, North Korea, there’s a building that has captured the world’s attention — the Ryugyong Hotel. This enormous structure becomes a dazzling spectacle when the sun sets. Its bright lights look like a massive screen, displaying various designs and colors for all to see.
The most eye-catching feature is the North Korean flag, proudly waving on the building’s exterior. People around the world have even compared it to the eye of Sauron from “The Lord of the Rings” movie, as it seems to watch over the city.
Who’s Behind the Lights?
Orascom — a company that entered North Korea primarily for 3G network coverage, is the driving force behind the remarkable light show at the Ryugyong Hotel. This company didn’t stop at just providing cell phone services; they took a bold step into the world of hotels.
They not only funded this project but also adorned the building with over 100,000 LEDs, creating a stunning visual display that graces the night sky. However, there’s a catch. Despite the grandeur outside, the hotel remains closed. Some even humorously refer to it as the “Kim Jong Unoccupied” hotel.
Will it ever open its doors to guests?
The hotel’s history is marked by extended construction delays. The construction began in 1987 but it faced numerous setbacks, including financial difficulties and technical challenges. As years passed, the delays grew, preventing the hotel from being completed and opened to the public.
The cost of the Ryugyong Hotel is a staggering $750 million. This price is significantly high, especially considering the economic conditions in North Korea. The nation faces significant economic challenges, and most of its citizens struggle to make ends meet.
Therefore, allocating such a vast sum to a hotel that hasn’t opened its doors raises questions about the government’s spending priorities and its commitment to the well-being of its people.
Other reasons behind the closed doors
The overall plans for the Ryugyong Hotel have remained unclear. It’s uncertain why Orascom invested in the hotel and what the North Korean government’s intentions are for this grand structure. The lack of transparency regarding the hotel’s future and its operational timeline has contributed to its continued closure.
North Korea’s international isolation and political tensions with many countries have limited the flow of tourists and foreign investments. This isolation has made it challenging to attract visitors to the Ryugyong Hotel, and it may have further delayed its opening.
Hotels in North Korea
In Pyongyang, there are around eight hotels open for business, but they offer a unique experience. Many of them feel like a step back in time, with large but empty dining rooms, dimly lit hallways, and occasional power cuts.
Curious machines on bedside tables add to the sense of mystery that surrounds North Korea. Staying in these hotels gives visitors a glimpse into a country that remains largely enigmatic to the rest of the world.
In conclusion, the Ryugyong Hotel stands as a symbol of mystery and uncertainty. People want to know the reason behind the closed doors of the “Hotel of the Doom”.
