North Korea's tallest building remains unused and abandoned

North Korea's Ryugyong Hotel, standing at 1,080 feet, is the tallest unoccupied building in the world. Located in Pyongyang, this 105-story structure has never welcomed a guest since its construction began nearly 40 years ago. The hotel, often called the "Hotel of Doom," started to rise in 1987 but was halted in the early 1990s due to economic issues following the collapse of the Soviet Union. It reached its full height in 1992, but the complete interior remains unfinished. Estimates suggest that completing the hotel could cost around $2 billion, which is about 5% of North Korea's total GDP. Even without guests, the Ryugyong Hotel captures international interest. While construction resumed in 2008 under the Egyptian company Orascom, substantial work has yet to be completed. The building's pyramid shape remains a prominent feature of Pyongyang's skyline. North Korea has used the hotel for various purposes despite its unfinished state. It was a backdrop for fireworks during the May Day celebrations in 2009 and serves as a setting for state-sponsored art performances. The hotel's exterior has also been transformed into a canvas for light shows featuring political slogans. Recent reports indicate that North Korean authorities are looking for foreign investment to develop a casino within the hotel. They hope to replicate the success of a casino at another hotel in Pyongyang, which has attracted tourists. The Ryugyong Hotel continues to stand empty, emphasizing the challenges North Korea faces in completing this ambitious project.