Ryomyong Street | 려명거리

Ecological Skyscrapers & Retro-Futuristic Architecture in Pyongyang

Introduction

Location

History

Ecology

Facilities

Who lives there?

Buildings

Lotus Building

To Sum Up

Pyongyang's architectural landscape has undergone substantial change this past decade.

From large scale repainting of buildings throughout the whole city, to the restoration of the Ryugyong Hotel and the construction of new structures and even entire avenues, all at lightning speed.

Ryomyong New Street is one of the latest examples of such rapid transformation that has shaped the new skyline of the capital.

Home to the tallest inhabited building in North Korea, this eco-friendly retro-futuristic majestic street has 24 buildings and some of the most awe-inspiring architecture of Pyongyang.

Ryomyong street is located in northeast of Pyongyang, one end being right by the Eternity Tower and Pyongyang Metro Museum.

Famous nearby landmarks include the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, Kim Il Sung University, the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery, the botanical garden and Pyongyang Central Zoo.

Ryomyong Street seen from Kim Il Sung University's campus

The construction of Ryomyong New Town was announced in March 2016 and the project was completed on 13 April 2017, just two days before one of the most important dates of the DPRK calendar; 15 April, the Day of the Sun. Both local and foreign media were present to witness the opening of the street.

Core to Ryomyong Street is the concept of eco-friendliness. All the flats have geothermal cooling and heating systems that can save upto 30% of energy consumption. Moreover, all the buildings in Ryomyong street have solar panels installed. In fact, there has been a boom of solar panel usage all over the country, including rural areas, these past few years.

Locals gathering at a park in Ryomyong Street. Notice the plants on the building's wall.

Nurseries, kindergartens and schools also boasts green energy technology, from the usage of rain water and waste heat used for ventilation to the efficient use of air-conditioners.

Despite being located in the city's capital, Ryomyong street has over 30 thousand flowers and trees and over 200 thousand flowers. Building roofs have trees, lawns and walls have plants.

Building roofs also have greenhouses where vegetables are produced via hydroponic cultivation methods (i.e. without soil).

There are over 130 establishments for locals. These include restaurants, cinemas, a mall, shops, chemists, tailor shop and schools. People can also have fun at the badminton and volleyball courts, parks and skate rinks.

KTG group walking through Ryomyong Street

Many teachers and scientists live in Ryomyong street as is the case with Mirae Scientists Street.

The largest inhabited building of the DPRK is in Ryomyong Street; an 82 story building rising 270 metres into the skies of Pyongyang (although the Ryugyong Hotel is still the tallest building in the country, it is currently empty).

We usually have dinner here if dining at Ryomyong street.

The food is delicious here; a mixture of Korean, Chinese and Japanese dishes are served. It is common for wedding ceremonies to be held at this restaurant.

All set for a wedding. Notice the background image of the new skyline that has been developing in Pyongyang since 2012; Changjon Street on the far right, Ryomyong street in the middle and Mirae Futre Scientists Street on the far left.

We also tend to see students of Kim Il Sung University dine here.

Kim Il Sung University students in the background

The building also has a shop with imported goods; Jinhwa, based on the Miniso retail chain that sells Japanese styled goods. Unfortunately no pictures are allowed.You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink in the coffee shop on the top floor of the Lotus building.

Coffee shop at the Lotus building in Ryomyong street

A walk through Ryomyong street, whether at daytime when you can appreciate the both figuratively and literarily green architecture, or at night when it is brightly and proudly lit up, will allow you to experience life in one of the DPRK's newest and most stylish neighbourhoods.