North Korea is probably no-one’s first choice destination, but if you’re like me you may well be somewhat curious as to what it’s actually like. YouTube suggested today’s clip to me about the Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, the country’s capital.
Commissioned and begun in the 1980s, no-one has ever spent a night in the Ryugyong. It looks like the rocket ship clock from Play School, and it is probably the most memorable feature of the Pyongyang skyline. It’s certainly the tallest.
But this video, from ‘Geographics’, tells the story of its building and how it symbolised the darkest times of North Korea’s short history as a nation. It’s interesting, sad, and a little scary. But very interesting.
Thanks for popping by today – May the Journey Never End.
Andy's World Journeys 
I learned a lot from the video, Andy. I know that building from a Korean TV series I’ve been watching but only learned about the story behind it just now.
Sad and interesting story.
This is fascinating. I certainly wouldn’t say no to the opportunity to see what North Korea is like for myself.
I have to admit, I would like to visit North Korea. I am fascinated by it, although I know as a tourist I wouldn’t get to see the “real” North Korea.