[Jim856796]

I hope the hotel does open sometime in 2012 (first, second, third, or fourth quarters). I'm sick of all those doubtcasters who say that it will never open at all.

 

[Ushiro]

That skeleton used to be scary for me, now, it's beautiful!
But, when this hotel open, I believe that it won't have much costumers .-.

 

[Viperfreak2]

Interesting monuments near the hotel. One guy with a grenade in his mouth with another firing a machine gun with his mouth.

The statue in front of the red tile thing has strong, big hands. Strong, big feet. Strong pecs and chest, and a tiny little feminine head that looks like Michael Jackson? Hee hee, Sha-mon.

Back to the hotel itself, wouldn't it be great to check in and be allowed to wander through the hotel! Exploring all the areas from the basement to the tip top?

 

[Philly Bud]

All for "show"

I hope the hotel does open sometime in 2012 (first, second, third, or fourth quarters). I'm sick of all those doubtcasters who say that it will never open at all.

I do believe it will open. I suspect only 2, 3 or 4 floors will be fully operational, however. I really doubt this building, with quality - and safety - compromised structural issues will function as well as mega hotels in other cities around the world.

It will be open for show. North Korea can claim "We did it!". Will it ever be filled up with many restaurants, shops, bars, etc.? That I seriously doubt!

 

[Vanzetti]

One day, when the two Koreas reunite, or perhaps when China assimilate North Korea, Ryugyong Hotel may indeed become a real functioning hotel. Assuming, of course, that it won`t collapse before this inevitable future arrives.

 

[vincenand]

Here are some fantastic close-up pics by Ray Cunningham. These were taken on August 16.

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

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They have replaced the old crane on top:

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[droneriot]

Holy mother, what an update! Many thanks, vincenand! :cheers:

 

[Jim856796]

I do believe it will open. I suspect only 2, 3 or 4 floors will be fully operational, however. I really doubt this building, with quality - and safety - compromised structural issues will function as well as mega hotels in other cities around the world.

It will be open for show. North Korea can claim "We did it!". Will it ever be filled up with many restaurants, shops, bars, etc.? That I seriously doubt!

North Korea is a communist socity, though if it disappears now, all of the floors need to be operational. It can just be another South China Mall. Least they improved the concrete floors and walls a bit. But how can this building have 5 revolving restaurants when most other structures have only one?

 

[Heusdens]

I don't think foreigners would be allowed in the hotel, at least not into the upper floors... the reason: you'd be able to see the whole city, ugly and poor parts included, and that's something the regime does never allow visitors to do.

Pyongyang is quite nice. Ever been to Sao Paulo, Caracas or Rio de Janeiro? There you will see the barios. DPRK does not have barios, although there will be plenty of people which are quite poor, and quite some people needed World Food Aid.

 

[Heusdens]

Who knows. North Korea is good at deceiving people.. just saying

Ehhhhh.. How do you know? Don't you think other countries governments don't deceive us either? Like the US (WMD in Iraq...) perhaps?

 

[Fab 5]

^^ Great shots up there - talking about putting make-up on a dead body.

 

[desertpunk]

Wow what a difference! I do hope they finish out the entire building. :cheers:

 

[Assemblage23]

I never expected to get such a comprehensive update!

Great!

 

[Simfan34]

It looks just like the original render!

 

[sashyenka]

It is absolutely incredible to see the juxtaposition of the very nice-looking glass onto the aged concrete. Stunning update.

 

[Handbanana]

It looks just like the original render!

http://www.nkeconwatch.com/nk-uploads/ryugyong.jpg

It looks a lot nicer built than in the render in my opinion. That picture reminded of vomit and stale cotton candy

 

[darkie_one]

So big update is available because August is only time North Korea welcomes foreigners

 

[Swiddle]

It's good to see that the rusty old crane has been replaced with a telescoping BMU (building maintenance unit).

 

[Saigoneseguy]

Pyongyang is quite nice. Ever been to Sao Paulo, Caracas or Rio de Janeiro? There you will see the barios. DPRK does not have barios, although there will be plenty of people which are quite poor, and quite some people needed World Food Aid.

If you go to Google Earth, you'll see the city if full of slums. Behind every street front building is a slum. Same urban design as Romania, China....

 

[ainttelling]

If you go to Google Earth, you'll see the city if full of slums. Behind every street front building is a slum. Same urban design as Romania, China....

Picture Page | Redjef25 | Flickr

If by slums you mean aging commieblocks then sure - even Hong Kong - a city sustained by foreign investment - is full of those.