In November 2012 , international hotel operator Kempinski announced it would be running the hotel which was expected to partially open in mid‑2013 . In March 2013 , plans to open the hotel were suspended . Kempinski clarified its earlier statements saying that only " initial discussions " had ever occurred , but that no agreement had been signed because “ market entry is not currently possible ” . Kempinski did not elaborate on its reasons , but commentators suggested that international tensions related to the 2013 North Korean nuclear test , economic risks , and delays in construction probably played a part
2013 North Korean nuclear test
2013 North Korean nuclear test
Ryugyong Hotel