http://i53.tinypic.com/zy6j5k.jpg
by Jan Honomichl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/esquilax/6268323953/)[/QUOTE]

A perfectly normal city: people cycling about, well tended parks, there is nothing ghastly to be seen about the place.
And a truly futuristic skyscraper finally approaching completion!
What's wrong with all this?
So I tell you: why believe the malicious Cold War inspired propaganda when the plain reality -as depicted by the casual photographer-
seems to contradict the ill founded rumours about the inevitable demise of the DPRK? That is not to say that the DPRK is a paradise but it ain't the hellhole the gullible victims of the neocon propaganda believe it is either.

Its just a complete joke of a country, with brainwashed people.

Do you really think people are brainwashed there? They are enslave by the government, no self-conscious person would prefer that kind of lifestyle.

Don't put judgments on poor people, judge their government instead.

A perfectly normal city: people cycling about, well tended parks, there is nothing ghastly to be seen about the place.
And a truly futuristic skyscraper finally approaching completion!
What's wrong with all this?
So I tell you: why believe the malicious Cold War inspired propaganda when the plain reality -as depicted by the casual photographer-
seems to contradict the ill founded rumours about the inevitable demise of the DPRK? That is not to say that the DPRK is a paradise but it ain't the hellhole the gullible victims of the neocon propaganda believe it is either.

The problem is that Pyongyang is pretty much the only city in the whole country that looks like this. Ever seen satellite photos of the north compared with the south at nighttime? It is literally like night and day. Pyongyang is a tiny spot of light and the rest of the country is virtually blacked out.

I love this hotel, but the fact remains that it is centered in one of the most repressive countries in the world. Nobody needs propaganda to know that.

The problem is that Pyongyang is pretty much the only city in the whole country that looks like this. Ever seen satellite photos of the north compared with the south at nighttime? It is literally like night and day. Pyongyang is a tiny spot of light and the rest of the country is virtually blacked out.

I love this hotel, but the fact remains that it is centered in one of the most repressive countries in the world. Nobody needs propaganda to know that.

You are quite right, I don't disagree but NK has become lately too much of an underdog, bullied for the sake of being bullied, so that is why I like to occasionally take their side.
Anyway, the hotel will partially open in April next year. That is what really matters. They proved that they are not just quitters after all...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8817467/North-Koreas-Hotel-of-Doom-to-open-24-years-after-construction.html

I'm sure the moderators will take care of this troll.

Look, I would be glad if this proyect was real. When I see that other countries (developing nations) are making progress in any way, I become glad since the same is happening in my country ( Dominican Republic), it's just that I'm not going to pretend for something that isn't real at all.
I say they are brainwashed because of how the express themselves when interviewed. Most likely they are scared as hell, but you know what? Many developing nations have had their share of dictators and lunatics...if one day there is even the THOUGHT of removing Kim Yong Il and the future obligarcy, they will do it.
But please don't call me a troll when I'm just pointing out the truth. If it has happened in the past, well...it may be the same story again.

Ever seen satellite photos of the north compared with the south at nighttime? It is literally like night and day. Pyongyang is a tiny spot of light and the rest of the country is virtually blacked out.


Some would say that wasting so much energy that you are forced into near continuous war with energy rich countries is not the better option.

God bless us.

This is getting borderline annoying. The fact is that except for anecdotes, almost no one who isn't a North Korean elite has any substantial information about North Korea; the same should be said for Orascom and this tower. We're unfortunately limited in the extent to which we can make legitimate criticism of this building to its design and what we can observe of its construction.

It's true. No one can make a LEGITIMATE criticism of this building, but based on the patterns of the past (and how NK govt has hidden information over and over again), we can make an almost perfect prediction of what is to be of this building.

To the one up there calling me a troll. When YOU show me a picture that refutes my statement, I will eat my words and even apologize. I showed that it has happened in the past (many times), now prove me wrong then.
I hope one day democracy will come to NK and its people and finally the opressed are no longer violated their basic rights, but that has to be done by the NK people....maybe one day.

Do you really think people are brainwashed there? They are enslave by the government, no self-conscious person would prefer that kind of lifestyle.

Don't put judgments on poor people, judge their government instead.

Coup de etat my friend. I know people are frightened, but look at the Arab Spring. Totally worth it for Lybia. Yes, many people died in Syria and Lybia, but it seems now that democracy will reign. Tunisia had or is having their first free elections in more than 50 years!
My best wishes to those countries.

some people here just don't know how to stop.......

:cripes::cripes::cripes:

Or when.

Derek

OMG there are certain people that just don't want to see the truth. O well, I guess lalaland is a happier place.

Facts people, FACTS.

Even tough inside is going to be probably empty, the outside structure looks stunning. We'll see...

I like the dunce cap on the top of the building. Seems fitting...

OMG there are certain people that just don't want to see the truth. O well, I guess lalaland is a happier place.

Facts people, FACTS.

Even tough inside is going to be probably empty, the outside structure looks stunning. We'll see...

Everyone knows what are you trying to say but no ones care about it in this thread. Go away!

Everyone knows what are you trying to say but no ones care about it in this thread. Go away!

Glad some comprehend. Just trying to point out the truth and that's it.

CHANGING TOPIC...
Is there any information on when the "completition" of this tower is due?

Wow the cladding just changed everything.

Is there any information on when the "completition" of this tower is due?

Yes, there is:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8817467/North-Koreas-Hotel-of-Doom-to-open-24-years-after-construction.html

It is due to open in April 2012

Earlier this year the regime announced it would shut universities for 10 months and send students to work in factories, agriculture and the construction sector to help rebuild its economy by 2012.

I wonder how many students will work on the construction of the inside of this hotel? Or on the rooftops of other Pyongyang buildings doing demolition by hand.

Earlier this year the regime announced it would shut universities for 10 months and send students to work in factories, agriculture and the construction sector to help rebuild its economy by 2012.

I wonder how many students will work on the construction of the inside of this hotel? Or on the rooftops of other Pyongyang buildings doing demolition by hand.

Apparently the students are out in the rice fields where they help the peasantry and toil for the motherland but also working on building sites.

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20111019000763

According to North Korean media outlets, the North has been constructing a 77-storied apartment complex, theaters and public parks in a district surrounding the two four-way intersections of Mansudae and Changjon

Wow!

http://www.nkeconwatch.com/nk-uploads/Mansudae-KCTV-6-9-no2.jpg

http://www.nkeconwatch.com/nk-uploads/Mansudae-KCTV-6-9-no2.jpg

http://www.nkeconwatch.com/

North Korean versions of the Chicagoan Marina City

Acording to the link above

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8817467/North-Koreas-Hotel-of-Doom-to-open-24-years-after-construction.html

Posted by CompayEE:

The building – which will have the hotel on 20th to 30th l

So it's going to be mostly not a hotel. That's news to me.

Derek

Acording to the link above

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/8817467/North-Koreas-Hotel-of-Doom-to-open-24-years-after-construction.html

So it's going to be mostly not a hotel. That's news to me.

Derek

Hi Derek!

It's hard to tell if it's going to be exclusively a hotel after all. I am also puzzled as to the so-called 77-storied apartment complex. It must be quite huge and I guess it must be the "Hotel of Doom" itself! I mean at 77 floors it really stands tall, it can't be anything else but Ryugyong "Hotel". Or is it another mystery building?
In fact, Ryugyong has got 105 floors, so the 77-storied building is unaccounted for.

According to North Korean media outlets, the North has been constructing a 77-storied apartment complex, theaters and public parks in a district surrounding the two four-way intersections of Mansudae and Changjon

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/...20111019000763

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6294094131_31e510e451_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6294637098_5243d72823_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6294638054_feaaaaa2d8_o.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlesgl81/

^^That first photo is the first one I recall seeing that is perfectly centered on the edge of one of the wings. I've been hoping for such an angle for a long time. :cheers:

^^these photos are 2 months old :s

yay

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6294637098_5243d72823_b.jpg

I cant believe who this photo is real and not render, never I suspect this tower finished :O

I wanna see also a insade photo

^^

Well, me too, but there's barely any interior pics of NK's other hotels, which have been open since at least the 1980's.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6294637098_5243d72823_b.jpg


*in Quake 2 voice* Oppressive Impressive!

Beautiful construction. The history of this hotel is really fascinating.

From certain angles it looks like a jet thats about to launch from a rocket ship position.

04 November 2011

http://i40.tinypic.com/15rh1zk.jpg
by dutchct (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dutchct/6310834629/)

http://photos.denverpost.com/mediacenter/2011/11/photos-north-korea-in-autumn/

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2229.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Monday, Oct. 24, 2011 photo, the sky turns shades of purple over the 105-story Ryugyong Hotel, which remains under construction, as the sun sets over Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2227.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Tuesday Oct. 4, 2011 photo, a commuter passes through the shining headlights on a street in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2233.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Thursday Oct. 6, 2011 photo, North Korean children line up wearing inline skates as they practice in preparation for a celebration event in the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2244.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Tuesday Oct. 4, 2011 photo, North Korean farmland on the edge of Pyongyang, North Korea, is seen from the air. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2251.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011 photo, North Koreans prepare meals at a fast food restaurant at the Kaeson Youth Amusement Park in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2261.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Tuesday Oct. 11, 2011 photo, North Korean construction workers rebuild a section of the Mansudae neighborhood of Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2264.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Sunday Oct. 9, 2011 photo, a North Korean man lifts his child up as they arrive at the top of the escalator at Pyongyang Department Store No. 1 in downtown Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2270.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Friday Aug. 26, 2011, photo, a North Korean woman walks across a bridge as the Tower of the Juche Idea stands on the river bank in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2280.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Wednesday Oct. 5, 2011 photo, North Korean students at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology descend the stairs after a seminar and lecture. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2267.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 photo, a woman pushes a bicycle along a road past farm houses near the town of Sariwon, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

http://mcenter.slideshowpro.com/albums/027/935/album-278206/cache/gngn2266.sJPG_900_540_0_95_1_50_50.sJPG
In this Friday Oct. 7, 2011 photo, North Korean hikers cook using grills as they have a picnic lunch in the forest on Mount Kumgang, North Korea. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)

amazing

Gosh. More evidence that North Korea has normal people in it living normal lives.

They must be actors!

not necesary, maybe 1% of population have a good lifre style is enough, sufficient to show that Koreans live well, while not see poverty in the photos ...

Ryugyong hotel may be actually a giant inter-continental missile with a nuke warhead at the top. Beware!

Gosh. More evidence that North Korea has normal people in it living normal lives.

They must be actors!

Yeah, sure! A dip into the NKorean 'reality' instantly shatters all the false ideas, prejudices and misconceptions that suited so well the NK = Axis of Evil war of words.

It is not the NKoreans' fault that the rest of the world refuses to accept that the reality of that country is quite different to what they imagine life in NK is like. In other words, it is quite clear to me that life in NK is not as bad and grim as many of us are duped into believing by the neocon propaganda.

A picture paints a thousand words. These NK photos speak for themselves
and we should not ignore the reality depicted by them in favour of malicious and propagandistic nonsense intend to unfairly demonize the people of NK.

P.S. Let us not forget that these photos were taken by American journalists.

not necesary, maybe 1% of population have a good lifre style...

Well, that is your own guess work, your own estimate. You are free to retreat into a reality of your own making. Yet the reality on the ground as depicted by neutral journalists contradicts your patronizing assumption.

sure if I have no idea what the real truth of this country so isolated by the media. I only manage to guess what a blog read by reports in newspapers around the world on TV etc ... hopefully North Korea has been really good, it would mean that communism is a failure so complete as we want to sell every day ... I hope one day to visit this country really fascinates me ...

sure if I have no idea what the real truth of this country so isolated by the media. I only manage to guess what a blog read by reports in newspapers around the world on TV etc ... hopefully North Korea has been really good, it would mean that communism is a failure so complete as we want to sell every day ... I hope one day to visit this country really fascinates me ...

So do I. Perhaps I will be in for a rude awakening to reality.:lol: The truth is that it is difficult to tell for sure how life is like in NK. One thing is certain: the cult of the personality of Kim is disturbing.

It's interesting to see how dark-skinned many of the people are here. Whenever I think of Koreans, I always think of all the pale people (particularly girls and women) I saw in the South when I went there this past summer.

It's interesting to see how dark-skinned many of the people are here. Whenever I think of Koreans, I always think of all the pale people (particularly girls and women) I saw in the South when I went there this past summer.
More than anything (including ethnic differences) the reason South Koreans may be so pale is that they still consider fair skin to be aesthetically pleasing, the exact opposite of the trend in the western world today, where fair skin is associated with ill-health -- you have to be tanned. I know for a fact that China has a huge market for skin whitening creams; it's quite frightening. :P Perhaps the same is true for South Korea.
I also wonder if the proportion of farmers in North Korea is substantially greater than in the South. And as you know, manual outdoor labour will eventually give you a tan, hence the traditional stigma associated to it.

mongolian?

These pictures looks so lovely! ^^ Good job!

More than anything (including ethnic differences) the reason South Koreans may be so pale is that they still consider fair skin to be aesthetically pleasing, the exact opposite of the trend in the western world today, where fair skin is associated with ill-health -- you have to be tanned. I know for a fact that China has a huge market for skin whitening creams; it's quite frightening. :P Perhaps the same is true for South Korea.
I also wonder if the proportion of farmers in North Korea is substantially greater than in the South. And as you know, manual outdoor labour will eventually give you a tan, hence the traditional stigma associated to it.

That would explain why so many south koreans were nice but "distant" to me :lol:, or maybe it was that face of the hermetic behavior sometimes asians show.

Well is good to know that.

06 November 2011

http://i41.tinypic.com/2hprbzq.jpg
by dutchct (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dutchct/6316301513/)

http://i42.tinypic.com/wlzxhs.jpg
by dutchct (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dutchct/6316303371/)

North Korea Pushing Forward with the Project of Constructing 100,000 Housing Units in Pyongyang
In order to celebrate Kim Il Sung’s centennial birthday next year on April 15, 2012, the plan to build 100,000 private homes in Pyongyang is quickly underway. North Korea has announced its intension to upgrade Pyongyang into a city with over 100,000 homes. Pyongyang’s district of Mansudae is to build over one thousand units of high-rise apartments (77 stories), theaters, parks and other recreational facilities.

The KCNA reported on October 11, “For the next Day of the Sun, Pyongyang will be completely transformed.” The news added, “The construction of private homes has been in progress for five months and is at 70 percent completion. Mansudae District is rapidly changing with skyscrapers and high-rise apartments appearing throughout the city. Construction of theaters and service facilities are also in development.”

Facing Mansudae is Dongpyongyang District, another area in Pyongyang under enhancement and has secured over 17,400 square meters of land for multi-purpose service facilities and 9,660 square meters for a public outdoor ice rink. The KCNA elaborated, “The multi-purpose facilities encompass bathhouses, beauty salons, and other latest facilities of convenience. In the public outdoor ice rink, circular ice rink, bleachers and cultural recreational facilities will be built to provide necessary environment for people to enjoy various ice sports.”

Rungrado Recreation Ground is also reported to be rejuvenated with a variety of amusement rides and multipurpose water park. The water park will be equipped with wave pools, waterslides, and health pools.

In addition, Pyongyang is focusing on gardening and exterior beautification projects for private homes and public buildings, including installation of colorful tiles and paints as well as bright neon signs in the streets.

“The Development Project of 100,000 Housing Units in Pyongyang” went into effect since 2009 but talks of reducing the project to 20,000 homes surfaced when it was faced with funding difficulties. However, the original plan of building 100,000 homes has not faltered and appears to be in full swing.

Early this year on January 3, a public rally was held at the Kim Il Sung Square with over 100,000 people present. At that time, the homebuilding project of Pyongyang was announced in which “Pyongyang City will be equipped to enter the era of strong and prosperous nation in all sectors.”

In July 2008, the General Bureau of Capital Construction began a large-scale redevelopment project. Completed a year later on September 2009, 600 old homes mostly built in the 1960s were demolished and in their place an apartment complex with over 800 homes went up. This project received undivided attention from Kim Jong Il, Chang Sung-Thaek, administrative director of the Worker’s Party of Korea, among many other top officials of North Korea.

For North Korea, “The Development Project of 100,000 Housing Units in Pyongyang” has become a symbol of building a strong and prosperous nation.

http://ifes.kyungnam.ac.kr/eng/FRM/FRM_0101V.aspx?code=FRM111103_0001

At 77 stories it has to be at least 200m tall. Too bad there isn't enough info to make a seperate thread for this project.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris_erica/

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6322135608_79df182f99_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6321602749_a833a512a9_b.jpg

^^ rush hour in Pyongyang? ;)

It's interesting to see how dark-skinned many of the people are here. Whenever I think of Koreans, I always think of all the pale people (particularly girls and women) I saw in the South when I went there this past summer.

South Koreans spent too much time indoors playing Starcraft 2.

This building was completed solely for propaganda reasons. I traveled to NK last year and we were the only people staying in our 15 story hotel. I can't imagine this building ever being filled with guests.

More than anything (including ethnic differences) the reason South Koreans may be so pale is that they still consider fair skin to be aesthetically pleasing, the exact opposite of the trend in the western world today, where fair skin is associated with ill-health -- you have to be tanned. I know for a fact that China has a huge market for skin whitening creams; it's quite frightening. :P Perhaps the same is true for South Korea.
I also wonder if the proportion of farmers in North Korea is substantially greater than in the South. And as you know, manual outdoor labour will eventually give you a tan, hence the traditional stigma associated to it.

Yes, skin bleaching products are popular as ever in South Korea, and seeing women with umbrellas on bright, sunny days was very common. Never mind all the 아줌마 with their visors and fleece (on 30+ degree days!!) And you're probably right about the farmers. The more desperate a country's situation is, the more farmers they tend to have.

Sidenote: The way the Ryugyong Hotel dominates Pyongyang is simply awesome. But I do find it ironic that the most active Korean thread of any kind here on SSC is about North Korea. 한국사람들이 어디에써??

^^ rush hour in Pyongyang? ;)
No, these days the traffic in Pyongyang can be pretty busy. The number of cars on the road (as seen in visitors' photos, at least) has gone up a lot over the past few years.

any ideas what is in the circular part at the top of the building?

This building was completed solely for propaganda reasons. I traveled to NK last year and we were the only people staying in our 15 story hotel. I can't imagine this building ever being filled with guests.

how does that influence price? are things there really inexpensive because its all just for show, or extra pricey because the country is rather lacking on the tourism front?

any ideas what is in the circular part at the top of the building?


It is supposed to be restaurants (rotating) and communications equipment. For all we know it could be a giant water tank to flush all the toilets in Pyongyang...

mad architecture:shocked:

Yes, skin bleaching products are popular as ever in South Korea, and seeing women with umbrellas on bright, sunny days was very common. Never mind all the 아줌마 with their visors and fleece (on 30+ degree days!!) And you're probably right about the farmers. The more desperate a country's situation is, the more farmers they tend to have.

Sidenote: The way the Ryugyong Hotel dominates Pyongyang is simply awesome. But I do find it ironic that the most active Korean thread of any kind here on SSC is about North Korea. 한국사람들 어디에써??

it's quite common here in Asia (East and Southeast though) to see ppl holding umbrella to protect themselves from the sun. Westerners love to be tan, we love to be white....

South Koreans spent too much time indoors playing Starcraft 2.

:lol::lol:

No, these days the traffic in Pyongyang can be pretty busy. The number of cars on the road (as seen in visitors' photos, at least) has gone up a lot over the past few years.

So there are 6 cars and 2 busses now? That is a staggering 100% increase.
Sometimes I just want to visit N Korea to see for myself how sick things can get when it gets really wrong.

Yes, skin bleaching products are popular as ever in South Korea, and seeing women with umbrellas on bright, sunny days was very common. Never mind all the 아줌마 with their visors and fleece (on 30+ degree days!!) And you're probably right about the farmers. The more desperate a country's situation is, the more farmers they tend to have.

Sidenote: The way the Ryugyong Hotel dominates Pyongyang is simply awesome. But I do find it ironic that the most active Korean thread of any kind here on SSC is about North Korea. 한국사람들이 어디에써??

If you rank the supertalls by the number of views, im sure this one is in the top 10. Makes sense though, because there are just so many people that can't resist themselves from trolling this thread.

By the looks of it, this city is screaming out for investments and a revamp. Put a few more supertalls in this area along with new buildings in general, and you have got Beijing/Shanghai cross breed city. Pretty awesome I would say

If you rank the supertalls by the number of views, im sure this one is in the top 10. Makes sense though, because there are just so many people that can't resist themselves from trolling this thread.

By the looks of it, this city is screaming out for investments and a revamp. Put a few more supertalls in this area along with new buildings in general, and you have got Beijing/Shanghai cross breed city. Pretty awesome I would say

North Korea needs regime change and the poor fed not more supertalls!!

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6100/6328284896_311f45e7c8_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/astroboi/6328284896/

The skyline of DPRK's capital city as photographed on October 10, 2011.

Beautiful city from that view, horrible in street view when you see no cars.

October 12

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6102/6238103425_abdac0d3aa_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32681890@N06/

What does it look like in the other direction from that photo? I mean if you were looking out that front door in the lower structure (now looking almost finished) what would you see?

so there's a sidewalk that continues through a 6-lane road, with only a yellow yield sign to indicate that its there. either too many lanes or no one drives. whats with the giant street?

l think this street is for parades.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_982w/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2011/11/09/Foreign/Images/py_pyramid_1320867721.jpg
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/ryugyong-hotel-in-pyongyang/2011/11/09/gIQA2ZedPN_photo.html

October 12

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6102/6238103425_abdac0d3aa_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32681890@N06/

not energy problem :nuts:

anything have actualy pictures of the subway under ths city? it work?

not energy problem :nuts:

anything have actualy pictures of the subway under ths city? it work?

Plenty of photos of it actually. And yes, it does 'work', why shouldn't it?
http://www.stevegongphoto.com/Stories/Pyongyang-Underground/6936802_N7pzd4/1/443889519_sHnd7#443889519_sHnd7

Actually way safer and cleaner than the New York subway...

see http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/the_beat_goes_on_lA5fqatGSIxdc3bpKze0MP

Ryugyong hotel may be actually a giant inter-continental missile with a nuke warhead at the top. Beware!

Paranoia @ its best..:ohno:^^

What does it look like in the other direction from that photo? I mean if you were looking out that front door in the lower structure (now looking almost finished) what would you see?

Im guessing your not allowed to take a photo looking the other direction? Unless you are now freely allowed to photograph in NK?

Im guessing your not allowed to take a photo looking the other direction? Unless you are now freely allowed to photograph in NK?

What makes you presume that you are not freely allowed to photograph in North Korea?

http://www.stevegongphoto.com/Stories/Pyongyang-Underground/6936802_N7pzd4/1/443889519_sHnd7#443889519_sHnd7

Because every tourist has a guide who tells them what not to take pictures of.

Because every tourist has a guide who tells them what not to take pictures of.

Well, not very different to London then...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shyKphFLy-o

Plenty of photos of it actually. And yes, it does 'work', why shouldn't it?
http://www.stevegongphoto.com/Stories/Pyongyang-Underground/6936802_N7pzd4/1/443889519_sHnd7#443889519_sHnd7

Actually way safer and cleaner than the New York subway...

see http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/brooklyn/the_beat_goes_on_lA5fqatGSIxdc3bpKze0MP

ha ha excelente! I really don't know about the really status of this red

and I see a very rare situation in this subway.... DON'T HAVE GRAFFITIS :banana:

I see graffiti, scratched into the window glass of the subway cars.
I wonder what the punishment is when caught?

ha ha excelente! I really don't know about the really status of this red

and I see a very rare situation in this subway.... DON'T HAVE GRAFFITIS :banana:

ola compañero espero que todo vaya bien!

Yeah, it's a strange country. They all like to laugh at them (i.e. axis of evil etc.) yet it seems that they are having the last laugh :lol:

I see graffiti, scratched into the window glass of the subway cars.
I wonder what the punishment is when caught?

Probably they are being fined or something, or getting away with it :)
NKorea does not strike me as a repressive, punitive country despite its undeserved bad reputation. Though I must admit that the cult of the Kims is disturbing to say the least...

NKorea does not strike me as a repressive, punitive country

:lol: :laugh:

Yeah, seems to be a liberal nirvana.

Please don't feed the :troll:.

I see graffiti, scratched into the window glass of the subway cars.
I wonder what the punishment is when caught?
The trains in those photos were bought secondhand from Berlin (http://www.pyongyang-metro.com/metronews.html) (BVG type D), so the grafitti is probably also secondhand. :)

The Great tower-building!

The trains in those photos were bought secondhand from Berlin (http://www.pyongyang-metro.com/metronews.html) (BVG type D), so the grafitti is probably also secondhand. :)

or the northkorean can write in german :cheers:

Well, not very different to London then...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shyKphFLy-o

Have you actually watched that video? It says it is perfectly legal to take photographs in the UK except military installations and vulnerable transport hubs, the officers were community support and had made a mistake.

In North Korea however you are accompanied everywhere and not allowed to film or take pictures of anywhere the state has not specifically designed for tourism purposes. Watch any documentary you like: you're not even allowed to show a poster of Kim Il Sung in a photo as a background because its considered disrespectful.

I dit not know there is a disneyland in Korea. I see spacemountain on the left here

:lol::lol:

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6100/6328284896_311f45e7c8_b.jpg

Have you actually watched that video? It says it is perfectly legal to take photographs in the UK except military installations and vulnerable transport hubs, the officers were community support and had made a mistake.

In North Korea however you are accompanied everywhere and not allowed to film or take pictures of anywhere the state has not specifically designed for tourism purposes. Watch any documentary you like: you're not even allowed to show a poster of Kim Il Sung in a photo as a background because its considered disrespectful.

It may be not illegal to take photos in most parts of London but I have been many times approached by security officers of various buildings in the City of London (also, right near to the City Hall itself!) who said that I may not take photos there unless I have a permit. I contacted the City of Lodnon administration and they replied that the "permit" costs several hundred £... WTF??? London does have a problem with photography and it pisses me off because taking photos is what I enjoy more than anything else. Never had such problems, for instance, in China which is "known" for having a thing for being "in control".

For a while they made it illegal to photograph the Bean (Cloud Gate sculpture) in Chicago's Millenium Park, claiming it was copyright infringement on the artist's work... yeah, that did last long.

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2011/11/113_99308.html

11-22-2011

Brand new apartments, theaters and parks are popping up as has, apparently, a new department store hawking Chanel and Armani. Sidewalks are bustling with activity and, at last, the final touches are being applied to the exterior of a massive showpiece hotel.

This is clearly not the Pyongyang of old.

The North Korean capital is reportedly buzzing with activity as it undergoes a facelift ahead of the 100th anniversary in April of the birth of founder Kim Il-Sung, a milestone date when the Stalinist regime has promised to emerge as a "strong and prosperous nation.”

In line with the upgrades, living conditions for those in city appear to be improving ― on the surface at least ― observers say. What it means for the country as a whole, however, as it battles food shortages and hands power over to a young heir, remains up in the air.

“There’s construction everywhere,” said Bernhard Seliger, resident representative of the Seoul-based Hanns-Seidel-Foundation Korea who frequents the North for engagement projects. “You can see dust hanging over the city from all the construction.”

The efforts, according to reports, are bearing fruit in the form of semi-high-rise apartment complexes featuring 3,000 units in the Mansudae district, complete with cultural amenities and upgraded street lights and signs. A water park that can accommodate 4,000 fun-seekers was said to have opened this summer.

New public buildings, too, are going up and old ones being refurbished.

Then there’s the 105-story pyramid known as the Ryugyong Hotel which has seen stop-and-go construction since 1987. In time for the celebrations next year, recent visitors say its exterior looks markedly improved. It is expected to hold offices as well as accommodation.

Confirming reports that students have been mobilized for the renovations, Seliger said he saw large groups of them marching and singing along the Taedong River that runs through the city on their way to sites.

Reports also said that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il ordered his staff to prioritize the supply of drinking water, heating and electricity in Pyongyang, though some visitors have said the city remains relatively dark and quiet at night due to an apparent lack of power.

The makeover coincides with lifestyle changes among Pyongyang residents marked most distinctly by rapidly-increasing use of cell phones after the regime introduced a 3G network in 2008. Visitors also note an increase in imported cars and technology, Western-style restaurants and fashionable clothes as signs of modernization.

“There’s a lot going on,” said John Delury, an assistant professor of international studies at Yonsei University who has made multiple visits to Pyongyang, most recently in September. “Not everyone is wearing the same thing. Especially among women you can see more variety. There’s a clearer socioeconomic differentiation.”

But the renovations have prompted some skepticism from South Korean media, which said the improvements were the regime’s attempt to bolster allegiance among the country’s elite, who are concentrated in the city. Analysts suggest such consolidation is particularly important as Kim appears to accelerate the succession process of his youngest son, Jong-un.

“There is significance in linking the anniversary and the legitimacy of the regime with delivering on the promise of improving living conditions and convincing people their lives are getting better,” Delury said.

But the question looms: Will the improvements succeed in creating the aura of a strong state at a time when the government has asked for international aid and the United Nations says a quarter of the population needs food?

It remains a topic of debate here. Defector groups who report on the North have said that skepticism among citizens over the “strong and prosperous state.” Others who have visited the capital say the situation feels stable and point out that the North has managed to survive despite decades of predictions of instability.

Seliger said more time was needed to assess what lasting impact the changes would have on the country as a whole. For one, he said, it seemed clear that the people in the countryside were poorer and that those in the capital were getting preferential access to resources. Others have wondered how the regime was paying for the changes amid ongoing sanctions, with some speculating whether China, the North’s ally, was helping to foot the bill.

“Or is it just a redistribution of resources from the countryside? If so, it should not be confused with sustainable growth,” Seliger said.

yjk@koreatimes.co.kr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6100/6328284896_311f45e7c8_b.jpg

That hotel is somehow :okay: and I must say Pyongyang looks quite good on that pic aswell, at least the facades are in good shape. Overall much better than expected :)

I will be very interested to see interior photos of this building when it is open in April 2012.

Thanks to everyone for posting photos.

great!

Did they plate the last strip yet?

That's an interesting building. It looks like a squatted giant in that location.

23 November 2011
http://i42.tinypic.com/1214tnb.jpg
by moreska (http://www.flickr.com/photos/moreska/6441404377/)

I am curious, if this will affect the progress on the building: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/19/us-korea-north-idUSTRE7BI05B20111219

its been announced today its to become a mausoleum now and not a hotel from NK news agency.

Let's not start another off-topic discussion here, as tempting as it may be.

Great!

I think its very interesing building. I too would love to see some non staged shots from all angles plus interior pics.

I was looking at the NK special that Wolf Blitzer did on CNN lastnite whilst the KJI madness, I noticed he didnt even mention the building, even when there were 'inspecting the sky line' from top of "tallest monument" and I could just pick the pyramid out.. Looked pretty staged sadly.

Looks like a real ghost town. Like a big movie set. Hopefully they will open NK with the regime change


NKorea does not strike me as a repressive, punitive country despite its undeserved bad reputation...

Does the NK govt pay weekly or bi-weekly ;-)

Let's not start another off-topic discussion here, as tempting as it may be.

It's very much on topic to discuss Kim's death. This could have huge repercussions, whether on the political stability of the country or directly, as some people have intimated, on the building itself. If North Korea descends into chaos following this death, you can be sure that the "hotel" will not open for a while.

It's very much on topic to discuss Kim's death. This could have huge repercussions, whether on the political stability of the country or directly, as some people have intimated, on the building itself. If North Korea descends into chaos following this death, you can be sure that the "hotel" will not open for a while.

There is already a thread to talk about Kim's death. If we talk about in this thread it will get out of control andno one wants to see this thread locked.

its been announced today its to become a mausoleum now and not a hotel from NK news agency.

Then it should be renamed from Slaughterhotel to Mausoleum of evil :hilarious

the tower was often compared to a rocket. perhaps it is really one and they shoot now the dead body in outer space.

Interesting tower. I like it! :)

the tower was often compared to a rocket. perhaps it is really one and they shoot now the dead body in outer space.

:nuts:

With the Cladding it is a really beautiful Supertall :).

I'm dying to see more of this mysterious behemoth!!

anyone know when it is projected to open?

I have to say ever since Kim Jong Ill died, this thread has achieved more attention than as usual.

anything have actualy pictures of the subway under ths city? it work?

The subway has been featured in the Crying for Survival Festival:

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00y0gV6dyX83E/613x459.jpg
http://photos.independent.ie/gallery/Extreme_Mouring_in_Korea_/slideshow/A_woman_cries_over_the_death_of_North_Korean_leader_Kim_Jong-il_as_she_walks_up_a_staircase_in_Pyongyang/00y0gV6dyX83E

very peace and calm city,i wish i can stay here if communism failed

It may be not illegal to take photos in most parts of London but I have been many times approached by security officers of various buildings in the City of London (also, right near to the City Hall itself!) who said that I may not take photos there unless I have a permit. I contacted the City of Lodnon administration and they replied that the "permit" costs several hundred £... WTF??? London does have a problem with photography and it pisses me off because taking photos is what I enjoy more than anything else. Never had such problems, for instance, in China which is "known" for having a thing for being "in control".

I have been hindered from taking pictures in Belfast (UK) and I was once almost arrested because of taking a picture of the British embasy in Cairo (Egypt).

Great tower! Dear leader didn't invest a cent on it until he got pissed off of the slack concrete giant and decided to give it a lick of glass! Twat, that's more than 20 years of construction! Rot in hell.

Interesting building in it will be soon finished.

beautiful glass colour like its enemy's tower

Definitely need to visit there someday. What an interesting country.

Yes its great country, they partying all the time:

VJNBfBr-OGU

Sorry, couldn't resist, its hilarious :D

As for the tower itself with the new glass I think it looks really nice. If they could finish all the interiors too that would be great :cheers:

What's the betting that this will be renamed the Kim Jong-il tower?

The subway has been featured in the Crying for Survival Festival:

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00y0gV6dyX83E/613x459.jpg
http://photos.independent.ie/gallery/Extreme_Mouring_in_Korea_/slideshow/A_woman_cries_over_the_death_of_North_Korean_leader_Kim_Jong-il_as_she_walks_up_a_staircase_in_Pyongyang/00y0gV6dyX83E
Double facepalm? :D

I'm dying to see more of this mysterious behemoth!!

I wonder how it looks inside at the moment

What's the betting that this will be renamed the Kim Jong-il tower?

Burj Jongifa?

What's the betting that this will be renamed the Kim Jong-il tower?

:lol::lol::lol: exactly what I was going to wright.
They already did it with one type of flower used in his funeral (Kimjongilia)...wouldn't surprise me if they did the same with this "hotel".

Do you think they will put his body in there like that of his fathers in the Kumsusan Memorial Palace?

http://photos.travelblog.org/Photos/11053/439856/f/4301707-Expansive-grounds-at-the-Kumsusan-Memorial-Palace--Pyongyang-North-Korea-0.jpg

At least they did it – period!

That´s the way aha aha i like it aha aha :P :P :P :P

Well someone speculated that this was going to become Kim's mausoleum; I don't know how much truth there is to that, but the tower certainly won't just be a hotel any more in that case.

At least they did it – period!

who did what?

October 2011 - Buildings under construction near to Ryungyong Hotel.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/388619_239664996094122_152296118164344_674879_1282822866_n.jpg

Holy crap, I see multiple cranes in this picture!

October 2011 - Buildings under construction near to Ryungyong Hotel.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/388619_239664996094122_152296118164344_674879_1282822866_n.jpg

this development is Mansudae District.

I had no idea Pyongyang was undergoing such heavy development! They're in such a bad position in the economy, I mean, where is the funding for all these buildings?

The tallest building in Mansudae District will have 45 floors.

BMvnpY5mxWU

I had no idea Pyongyang was undergoing such heavy development! They're in such a bad position in the economy, I mean, where is the funding for all these buildings?

From China :hug:

I had no idea Pyongyang was undergoing such heavy development! They're in such a bad position in the economy, I mean, where is the funding for all these buildings?

this is self-funding.

this is self-funding. not true.

NK is one of poorest nations on the planet and the majority of its income
goes towards retaining a standing army. ( NK thinks its still at war )

The majority of the people out side capital are in camps or eat grass to live.
( been filmed )
The capital city is reserved for the counties elite only.

The nation is about bankrupt. http://themoscownews.com/international/20111222/189311687.html Russia news. "A bankrupt war machine"
Economy of the South Korea is at least at $1.5 trillion.

The tower has been built to attract tourism and any extra cash.
http://i41.tinypic.com/1zbggvp.jpg

Bright lights of South. No electric in the north.
They may not be able to afford to turn tower lighting on for long durations.

October 2011 - Buildings under construction near to Ryungyong Hotel.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/388619_239664996094122_152296118164344_674879_1282822866_n.jpg

How was this picture taken? and posted? not any internet access in NK. The population can not access the world wide web. ( not allowed )

is it from a media publication?

^^ Very good point, jersyboi. Photos MUST be credited on SSC or they will be pulled down.
Ernolibus, please credit the photo next time you log in or it will be deleted. Thank you.

How was this picture taken? and posted? not any internet access in NK. The population can not access the world wide web. ( not allowed )

is it from a media publication?
Well obviously somebody took a picture and then went somewhere that wasn't North Korea .

But obviously it still needs to be credited to the source. Uncredited photos cannot stay.

^^ Very good point, jersyboi. Photos MUST be credited on SSC or they will be pulled down.
Ernolibus, please credit the photo next time you log in or it will be deleted. Thank you.

I think this specific thread should be an exception. Pics from NK are too rare to delete them for any reason.

Probably they are being fined or something, or getting away with it :)
NKorea does not strike me as a repressive, punitive country despite its undeserved bad reputation. Though I must admit that the cult of the Kims is disturbing to say the least...

We need to put it to the test. Would you volounteer?

I don't understand why you need to credit a photo that comes from facebook. As it was posted on facebook there is a very slim chance that the source was credited there. There is no way to know what the original source was...

I think this specific thread should be an exception. Pics from NK are too rare to delete them for any reason.

I agree, it is even possible that crediting certain pics from North Korea can endanger the photographer.

not true.

NK is one of poorest nations on the planet and the majority of its income
goes towards retaining a standing army. ( NK thinks its still at war )

The majority of the people out side capital are in camps or eat grass to live.
( been filmed )
The capital city is reserved for the counties elite only.
Wow... and people say that the North Korean are brainwashed.

not true.

The nation is about bankrupt. http://themoscownews.com/international/20111222/189311687.html Russia news. "A bankrupt war machine"

Economy of the South Korea is at least at $1.5 trillion.



Full quote please.

I don't understand why you need to credit a photo that comes from facebook. As it was posted on facebook there is a very slim chance that the source was credited there. There is no way to know what the original source was...

A Google image search (http://tinyurl.com/bmbngz3) shows that the photo was posted on two Facebook walls by Koryo Tours (http://www.facebook.com/koryotours) (Koryo Group (http://www.koryogroup.com/)), which appears to be a Chinese company that gives tours of NK. So the photo was probably taken by the tour operator or one of their customers.

October 2011 - Buildings under construction near to Ryungyong Hotel.

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/388619_239664996094122_152296118164344_674879_1282822866_n.jpg

I love the way those towers grow. With Ryungyong, this city looks so anime-ish of the early 90's.

NK has discovered the joys of photoshop. Wonderful!

I had no idea Pyongyang was undergoing such heavy development! They're in such a bad position in the economy, I mean, where is the funding for all these buildings?

2012 will be the centenary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, which the North Korean regime is or was planning to celebrate on a grand scale. (At least one analyst thinks that the death of Kim Jong Il will be a welcome excuse for cancelling or scaling down the celebrations.)

The regime is building new apartment blocks in Pyongyang as a showpiece project for the centenary. Because they are a showpiece, built for prestige and propaganda reasons as much as practical purposes, perhaps even more so, the money will be found one way or another. The top priority is keeping the regime in power, and the basic needs of the people are near or at the bottom.

Here are more photos of the apartment blocks (http://www.juche-songun.ru/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=859:-----------100000---&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50) to show that they're real and not just a Photoshop job. :)

I would be very wary of the structural stability and safety of ANY buildings in N. Korea that tall... the building standards and codes look like absolute rubbish...

The city needs to start letting middle class civilians enter the city. There are hardly any although they would fill up some of the empty rooms in those towers!

How was this picture taken? and posted? not any internet access in NK. The population can not access the world wide web. ( not allowed )

is it from a media publication?

Tourists are allowed into north korea

Burj Jongifa?

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL :lol:

I am sure as NK is a workers paradise, as the they tell everyone, that the hotel will be given to the people for flats and homes......:|

Tourists are allowed into north korea

are they allowed to leave ?..............must be a terrible place to live, but then people don't know what they are missing hey ?:ohno:

any update?

I just looked closer to these tower constructions pictures from the link above here... These towers under construction have many cracks and it doesn't look safe to live in at all. I feel bad for these North Koreans that have to live in these towers when it completes. :ohno:

What cracks are you referring to?

I just looked closer to these tower constructions pictures from the link above here... These towers under construction have many cracks and it doesn't look safe to live in at all. I feel bad for these North Koreans that have to live in these towers when it completes. :ohno:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6253148735_5a5685da67_b.jpg
Looks like they've decided to put concrete bricks in place of the windows/balconies. Someone along the way realized that the quickest way out of N Korea is at 9.8m/s^2.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6253148735_5a5685da67_b.jpg
Looks like they've decided to put concrete bricks in place of the windows/balconies. Someone along the way realized that the quickest way out of N Korea is at 9.8m/s^2.

Why is that a problem? As long as the structural slabs are strong that is fine.

I see new concrete buildings in NYC that are built the same way and we never seem to have a problem.

^^ You might want to check out what great quality their prefab blocks are in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuzuJJ_JHgw&feature=player_embedded

I just looked closer to these tower constructions pictures from the link above here... These towers under construction have many cracks and it doesn't look safe to live in at all. I feel bad for these North Koreans that have to live in these towers when it completes. :ohno:

Agree 100%... The work looks very shoddy and haphazard... Do any of these construction workers have any actual construction education? Do they have structural engineers or inspectors? The Ryugyong had major structural issues with the concrete that required outside intervention after a decade of sitting incomplete to resolve that project and these buildings do NOT look safe at all...

^^ You might want to check out what great quality their prefab blocks are in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuzuJJ_JHgw&feature=player_embedded

It is hard to comprehend even after looking at it how people still think and behave that way. Even understanding the psychology of it all when you see it it just is hard to identify with it in any way

It is hard to comprehend even after looking at it how people still think and behave that way. Even understanding the psychology of it all when you see it it just is hard to identify with it in any way
It is brainwashing at it's finest.... I doubt that there has ever been any society in history (on a national level, religious sect/cults don't count) that has been so completely brainwashed... Germany under Hitler does not even come close to North Korea's level of insanity... I don't think anyone in Germany actually believed that Hitler's moods caused the weather...

I have been watching a lot of North Korea videos on youtube lately and the sheer absurd insanity of what goes on there completely defies any rational or logical explanation...:nuts::nuts::nuts:

Just watching the videos of all the people "crying" over their 'dear leaders' death is ridiculous... I have yet to see one image where anyone has any tears coming from their eyes, but they all keep pushing and shoving over each other to scream, flail their arms, throw themselves onto the ground, and perform other wholly absurd and obviously fake displays of remorse... I have seen better acting from the first grade kids at my school in their elementary plays on the cafeteria stage at 10am on a Tuesday... Does the North Korean government actually believe that anyone outside of North Korea would believe that footage for even one second? Anyone? Anywhere? Do they have any concept of how pathetic and ridiculous this funeral display they have been broadcasting for the world's enjoyment makes all of them look?:nuts::nuts::nuts:

Actually after watching the video I have to see some of those building may be built better than several 1990s high rise apartment blocks I've seen in China. I still have more faith in North Korean construction worker than many shoddy contractors in China.

Actually after watching the video I have to see some of those building may be built better than several 1990s high rise apartment blocks I've seen in China. I still have more faith in North Korean construction worker than many shoddy contractors in China.

Then you should look more closely at how old and crumbling that beam they are putting in place looks like, because you obviously missed it.

Wow, the building they are throwing up are pretty massive. They are definitely going to have an impressive skyline.

As to the people here talking about shoddy construction, I think they have no idea what they are talking about. The structure for this hotel is already more than 20 years old. If it was so poorly made why is it still standing intact?

What I am seeing in those pictures is just typical construction.

I visited DPRK myself this summer (must have been one of the last bunch of visitors to visit the country before Kim Jong Il's death).

As mentioned, these buildings, along with large infrastructure projects, lined the river and where quite comprehensive. It's all part of the celebration this year. I think the guides mentioned the goal had been to provide living space for up to 200 000 people throughout the country, with much of it focused on Pyongyang.

And those of you who haven't been there, stop pretending to know -anything- about how that country works. You'd be surprised.

PS: Some of the concrete of the hotel might have been damaged by sitting in the open for a decade, but I'm sure that they were able to patch that up once construction resumed.

PPS: Koryo Tours is British and handles most of the tourism to the DPRK.

How was this picture taken? and posted? not any internet access in NK. The population can not access the world wide web. ( not allowed )

is it from a media publication?

This picture seens to be taken at the Yanggakdo Hotel. Looks like that a tourist did.

are they allowed to leave ?..............must be a terrible place to live, but then people don't know what they are missing hey ?:ohno:

There are many places telling the stories about "turism in NK", it become increased since 2008. On youtube, tripadvisor and many other blogs you can see pictures, videos and other stuff. There many brazilians from here that go there to discover the "new country", the huge majority of them takes the german office of Koryo Tours to go there.

Wow, the building they are throwing up are pretty massive. They are definitely going to have an impressive skyline.

As to the people here talking about shoddy construction, I think they have no idea what they are talking about. The structure for this hotel is already more than 20 years old. If it was so poorly made why is it still standing intact?

What I am seeing in those pictures is just typical construction.

I visited DPRK myself this summer (must have been one of the last bunch of visitors to visit the country before Kim Jong Il's death).

As mentioned, these buildings, along with large infrastructure projects, lined the river and where quite comprehensive. It's all part of the celebration this year. I think the guides mentioned the goal had been to provide living space for up to 200 000 people throughout the country, with much of it focused on Pyongyang.

And those of you who haven't been there, stop pretending to know -anything- about how that country works. You'd be surprised.

PS: Some of the concrete of the hotel might have been damaged by sitting in the open for a decade, but I'm sure that they were able to patch that up once construction resumed.

PPS: Koryo Tours is British and handles most of the tourism to the DPRK.


After seeing these two posts and some others on this thread, I question if North Korean officials have infiltrated this website just to talk good things about this tower in all aspects. :lol:

Those of us who have not been there should pretend we know that anyone who visits is led around by an official...

SO, to know anything about how the country works, you would have to wander BY YOURSELF, SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE, and spend a lot of time doing that, not just a one or two week visit.

Oh yeah, and go inside the Ryugyong hotel and see for ourselves what the structure looks like.

As long as the buildings are standing, and people have not yet died from this, its all good. I mean really... Have you ever heard that one of those cracks have actualy killed someone? I think not. And the cracks will get patched up, they wont stay bare like that when completed.

That's a good point (whatever your name is, my keyboard does not have those symbols! lol) Name a concrete building that has collapsed...

That's a good point (whatever your name is, my keyboard does not have those symbols! lol) Name a concrete building that has collapsed...

Here's one. Oddly, I just recently watched a TV show (Seconds from Disaster) about it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampoong_Department_Store_collapse

Of course many, many buildings (concrete or otherwise) have collapsed around the world in earthquakes. I don't know how seismically active Pyongyang is, though.

As for Сталин's name, I don't have those symbols either, but I have copy and paste. :)

Here's one. Oddly, I just recently watched a TV show (Seconds from Disaster) about it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampoong_Department_Store_collapse

Of course many, many buildings (concrete or otherwise) have collapsed around the world in earthquakes. I don't know how seismically active Pyongyang is, though.

As for Сталин's name, I don't have those symbols either, but I have copy and paste. :)


I've never heard about Pyongyang having earthquakes, or any storms that can cause its collapse. Building apartments that can withstand earthquakes in such an unactive area is just wasting money that the country needs. I don't see any other reason to why they would collapse because of patched up cracks in the concrete, as I say they are safe, economic, and will last a long time.

I did a little searching online, and you're right, it's an inactive region (at least in modern times). This document (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ceri.memphis.edu%2Fpeople%2Fjerchiu%2Fpapers%2Fkorea_hazard.pdf&ei=VWoDT4SiIpTBtgf0m7nQBg&usg=AFQjCNGKHnVS9KFLv7TZEOoksYtD38p_QA&sig2=B7W8Fj42-i9DYpvh1LAcvw) has much information on the historic seismic activity of the Korean peninsula, for anyone interested.

It would be interesting to know how strong of an earthquake Ryugyong could withstand. If anyone has tried to come up with a sound estimate, I doubt we'd ever be privy to it.

Why is that a problem? As long as the structural slabs are strong that is fine.

I see new concrete buildings in NYC that are built the same way and we never seem to have a problem.

which part of the tower is that ?

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6253148735_5a5685da67_b.jpg
Looks like they've decided to put concrete bricks in place of the windows/balconies. Someone along the way realized that the quickest way out of N Korea is at 9.8m/s^2.

Lol :lol:

Sad but true.

wow....

Here a nice video of how the hotel looks from te street. very strange

http://www.zideo.nl/player/?playzideo=6c4957546d313170&zideo=

like north korea i hope philippines will be closed with this country !!

I feel for you.

:lol:

looks like something straight out of star wars

Reminds me of the old forumer "Eurovision".

any updates on this behemoth now that Comrade Dear Leader has ascended to Heaven? :lol:

best skyscraper ever

any updates on this behemoth now that Comrade Dear Leader has ascended to Heaven? :lol:

Well, as you know, the exterior cladding is complete. The interior works, I don't know the actual progress, but they're currently working on that:)

I thought this was a thread about the tower itself, NOT politics. Can we get back on the topic please?

right and left united will never be defeated

There's really not much more useful stuff to post here until april, is there? :lol:

There's really not much more useful stuff to post here until april, is there?


No. But you will see lots of proggress in April.

do we even have a north Korean forumers here in SSC?

do we even have a north Korean forumers here in SSC?

Out of all the 3 people who have ever used a computer in North Korea, do you think one actualy knows about SSC? lol

Out of all the 3 people who have ever used a computer in North Korea, do you think one actualy knows about SSC? lol

Who knows, maybe Kim Jong Un himself will update us XD

Who knows, maybe Kim Jong Un himself will update us XD

He might as well buy this website then, and it will become one of the first North Korean websites. http://www.skyscrapercity.kp

Taken by author last September:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6514180211_743850bba4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11401580@N03/6514180211/)
Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, DRPK (North Korea). September 2011. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11401580@N03/6514180211/) by adaptorplug (http://www.flickr.com/people/11401580@N03/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6514156631_0824601bf5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11401580@N03/6514156631/)
Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang, DRPK (North Korea). September 2011. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11401580@N03/6514156631/) by adaptorplug (http://www.flickr.com/people/11401580@N03/), on Flickr

Who knew that the world's tallest pile of concrete could end up looking so nice?

Doesn't that metal structure on top make it 340 meters or something?

What are the top ornament?

25 January 2012
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6792375767_f3cbc08bb9_b.jpg
by TigrouMeow (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigroumeow/6792375767/)

All buildings around it have electricity, and lights on, except for the Hotel. Only a small light on top, but barely anything, not that great, they should at least light it up with some red to symbolise their communist juche.

^^It's only topped out, not complete yet. Maybe some decorative light will be installed, or maybe not.

Maybe it's not such a good idea to light it up when NK is still in their official mourning period?

Pyongyang is an interesting city :)

Still a shell, needs to be filled up to get lit up.

Who knew that the world's tallest pile of concrete could end up looking so nice?

And from which side it does look nice?

And from which side it does look nice?

It certainly looks better than Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw. From any side.

1. Strange that you are comparing those two when they are world apart in architecture meaning and in any comparable params (the building that actually can be compared from Warsaw is Millenium Plaza http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennium_Plaza)
2. Ok, if "skyscraper-disneyland" architecture is what you call a good architecture - ok, everyone have his/her opinion.

And from which side it does look nice?

It's a nice building. It's interesting, ominous, symmetrical, it has a nice colour, it's a nice landmark, it fits in with the surroundings, and it has a strange history. What more could you want? The only problem I have is that it's probably going to go to waste. The North Koreans built it as a white elephant during an architecture race. They might not use even a quarter of the rooms, sadly.

Photo by NK officials? Too many lights in houses.

^^ Very good point, jersyboi. Photos MUST be credited on SSC or they will be pulled down.
Ernolibus, please credit the photo next time you log in or it will be deleted. Thank you.
Even if it's made by some tourist?

Photo by NK officials? Too many lights in houses.


Even if it's made by some tourist?

It's a rule: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/announcement.php?f=902&a=802

Even if it's made by an alien from Mars you should mention the author/source or at least put a link. It's all about good manners.

All buildings around it have electricity, and lights on, except for the Hotel. Only a small light on top, but barely anything, not that great, they should at least light it up with some red to symbolise their communist juche.

brilliant nick:ohno:

when can we welcome Adolf Hitler, Milosevic and Pinochet on SSC?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6538079675_5370f32d01_b.jpg

the cladding turned out quite nice :cheers:

Completion date-2012.4.20

Completion date-2012.4.20

you're a great user and i trust the information you have on these projects, but just for the sake of the forums guidelines, please post your sources :cheers:

15th April would be a more likely day to declare the building finished, because it's Kim Il Sung's birthday (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_North_Korea).

The North Koreans have very ambitious plans for Rason, their special economic zone next to Russia and China. Youtube video of a North Korean promo video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T4FZOxOpD8&feature=related

Also, this might be of interest - the Pyongyang architecture exhibition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ-L4gh6W58&list=UUlyvLXI_56Y1MBCNnDWZhUQ&index=20&feature=plcp

omg I don't believe this :lol:

that hotel needs to be imploded, how safe is that hotel?
I agree with youhttp://www.collegefun4u.com/track.php?u=4

The North Koreans have very ambitious plans for Rason, their special economic zone next to Russia and China. Youtube video of a North Korean promo video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T4FZOxOpD8&feature=related

Also, this might be of interest - the Pyongyang architecture exhibition:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ-L4gh6W58&list=UUlyvLXI_56Y1MBCNnDWZhUQ&index=20&feature=plcp

I think the North Koreans are taking a chapter out of China's history book by first introducing special economic zones to attract FDI while isolating the majority of the population from outside influence. Don't think it got a good start when its first appointed head was arrested in China under corruption charges.

I agree with youhttp://www.collegefun4u.com/track.php?u=4

The structure is perfectly safe. Most theories that the concrete is unstable are based off of rumors and speculation. Besides, they reinforced the structure a year or so ago.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6538079675_5370f32d01_b.jpg

Always it has looked like to me a spaceship that is going to take off
juuummm!!!! :)

^^
Gorgeous picture!

For all the haters it will always be the worst structure ever even though if it was located in any other part of the world, this would've gotten some awards.

I dont think anyone can deny its a gorgeous building. The question is how the interior looks. The question I think has always been how will it look inside.

And the question is who's gonna use it.

And the question is who's gonna use it.

...if anyone.

The structure is perfectly safe. Most theories that the concrete is unstable are based off of rumors and speculation. Besides, they reinforced the structure a year or so ago.

THANK YOU! It makes me feel so much better to here this from a structural engineer who has worked in North Korea on this project from start to finish!

I thought (silly me) that the concrete may not be the best quality (possible lower stability) because of the pictures I have seen. I feel so foolish.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=30014944&postcount=192

And the question is who's gonna use it.
Foreign tourists they get I suppose. Maybe foreign dignitaries.

THANK YOU! It makes me feel so much better to here this from a structural engineer who has worked in North Korea on this project from start to finish!

I thought (silly me) that the concrete may not be the best quality (possible lower stability) because of the pictures I have seen. I feel so foolish.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=30014944&postcount=192

I told you, they reinforced the concrete. There are pictures of them reinforcing the concrete. You think North Korea would forget about safety standards for the only thing worth being proud of there? And considering that 20 years standing alone is nothing compared to how long a concrete structure can usually last, I'm not surprised that the hotel is still usable. And you're not going to get a North Korean construction worker commenting about anything. I really wish people would stop with these speculative claims that the concrete isn't good.

^^ NK's safety standards?! Compared to who's safety standards? Who says it meets guidelines? What are the guidelines? They are never going to rip it down, regardless of its condition - that would appear as failure in the eyes of the public, something great leader would never allow.

It's speculative that the concrete is not "good", but surely it is also speculative to say it is good - no-one can say to what standard and to what degree the concrete has been reinforced or prepared.

^^ For the benefit of those who don't know, the Ryugyong is being completed by the Egyptian company Orascom, who are investing their own money in the project. They surely would not have taken it on if they didn't think that the structure could be made safe.

And the question is who's gonna use it.

Chinese couples just being married going on honeymoon

:sleepy::doh:

I would love to see pictures of them reinforcing the concrete. I'm not talking about the balcony edges, I'm talking about the parts that hold up the building. There are none?

I also am sure Orascom would not take on a project they thought was a lost cause, and I am sure they did 'something'. I just never could make a bold statement like "The structure is perfectly safe"

And the question is who's gonna use it.
Probably tourist. I doubt North Koreans can afford rooms in it. I do expect most of the building to be unoccupied since the average hotel in Pyongyang is basically empty XD

I would love to see pictures of them reinforcing the concrete. I'm not talking about the balcony edges, I'm talking about the parts that hold up the building. There are none?

I also am sure Orascom would not take on a project they thought was a lost cause, and I am sure they did 'something'. I just never could make a bold statement like "The structure is perfectly safe"

Good luck finding a picture showing any support columns, reinforced or not. All you can find are pictures of the outside walls. I'm sure the supports were reinforced.

I ADORE this building. I've always loved it, even when it seemed it was about to fall/to be demolished.

:cheers:

North Korean Skyscraper to Open, Only Two Decades Late (http://newsfeed.time.com/2012/02/10/north-korean-skyscraper-to-open-only-two-decades-late/)

North Korea has been toiling over its most luxurious hotel since 1988.
By COURTNEY SUBRAMANIAN | @cmsub | February 10, 2012

"Some of the world’s grandest architectural plans came to a halt following the global recession. (The Chicago Spire, anyone?) But North Korea has been toiling over its most luxurious hotel since 1988 — and 23 years later, the project is nearly finished. The 105-story Ryugyong Hotel is set to partially open for business this spring, according to the International Business Times.

The original goal of the Ryugyong Hotel was to outdo South Korea, the Washington Post reports. As Seoul prepared to host the 1988 Summer Olympics, the capital city revamped its skyline with construction of new high rises, boasting a 63-story, gold-embellished building that reigned as the highest in Asia.

North Korea’s response? Go big or go home. With the financial support of the Soviet Union, North Korea aimed at erecting the Ryugyong, a hotel meant to be almost 200 feet higher than Seoul’s newest addition. But the Soviet Union collapsed, leaving North Korea short of funds and raw materials.

Several unsuccessful attempts at reinstating what the BBC called ‘The Hotel of Doom” led the North Koreans to an unlikely partnership. In 2005, North Korea agreed to support the South Korean port city of Incheon in hosting the Asian Athletics Championship in exchange for funding the completion of the Ryugyong.

Park Kil-sang, a liaison in the negotiations, told the Post that Kim Jong Il and other officials emphasized the importance of the hotel renovation in the deal. He described the site as “a huge cement mountain, and it showed the wear of 20 years of just sitting there untouched. We actually figured it would be better to break it down entirely and build a new hotel from scratch.”

The agreement fell apart, and in 2008 Orascom Telecom, part of an Egyptian conglomerate, took over the project, transforming a rusted reminder of the past into a silver, arrowhead-shaped structure.

According to a 2009 BBC article, North Korea pushed to complete the hotel by April 15, 2012, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, North Korea’s “Eternal President” and father of the late Kim Jong Il. The hotel originally was supposed to have 3,000 rooms, but middle floors will remain empty at first."

It's probably structurally unsound.

One of the most fantastic buildings in the world!

This building is so ugly yet so futuristic, like the Metropolis stepped straight out from the scifi movie of 80s. I do love it.

worlds funniest building North Korea is truly in another dimension

Less than two months until it opens!

I'm pretty sure this building has taken longer to construct than any other building in the world. It started in 1986. 26 years to build a 1,100 foot building. And people complain about the WTC's pace lol. :lol:

I'm pretty sure this building has taken longer to construct than any other building in the world. It started in 1986. 26 years to build a 1,100 foot building. And people complain about the WTC's pace lol. :lol:

Check out the Sagrada Família Church in Barcelona. It started construction in 1882 and could probably finish in 2028. If you're speaking in terms of 1000+ footers then yes, Ryugyong took the longest.