32 Abandoned Resorts From a Bygone Era You Can Still Visit

5. The Forgotten Splendor of the Ryugyong Hotel

In the heart of Pyongyang, North Korea, the Ryugyong Hotel stands as an imposing monument to ambition and unrealized dreams. Construction of this pyramid-shaped skyscraper began in 1987, with plans to create the world's tallest hotel. However, economic challenges and political isolation halted progress, leaving the structure incomplete for decades. Though recently revitalized with a new facade, the hotel's interior remains unfinished and inaccessible. The Ryugyong Hotel's towering presence and enigmatic history continue to intrigue visitors and symbolize the complexities of North Korea's relationship with the outside world.