Terrifying and desolate: The most mysterious skyscraper in the world is called the "hotel of doom" PHOTO/VIDEO

From the start of construction in 1987, it has remained a symbol of both ambition and failure of North Korea, and despite the completion of the exterior of the building, the interior is still empty and unfinished. Locals also call it the "hotel of doom".

Ryugyong was supposed to be the tallest hotel in the world, competing with luxury skyscrapers in Singapore and Dubai. With a height of 330 meters and 105 floors, it was conceived as a symbol of power and modernity of the regime. However, due to the economic crisis in the early 1990s, construction stopped, and North Korea entered a period of famine and isolation.

"From the beginning of construction until today, no guest has ever slept in that building. It looks finished from the outside, but inside it is an empty shell," writes The B1M, Tportal reports.

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Exterior finished, interior empty 

Construction lasted almost two decades, while North Korea struggled with hunger and isolation. Only in 2008 did the works continue, and in 2011 the building got a glass facade and LED screens on the front. The planned opening in 2013 did not take place.

Today, propaganda films and messages glorifying the leader are broadcast on its facade, while the interior remains eerily empty.

"From a distance, you might think it's ready to receive guests. But inside, it's still unfinished, with no real fixtures or rooms," according to The B1M.

EPA/HOW HWEE YOUNG