Hacker News Reader

Looking at Wikipedia[1], the ≥40 storey buildings look pretty typical, I assume you're correct that they are using some. Some look like older designs with external shear walls, which reduce the exterior windows. That said, it's certainly possible to build tall buildings without structural steel reinforcing - can look at all the tall old cathedrals, pyramids, etc that surpass 140m height (40 storeys at 3.5m each)

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_in_N...

Given that it's North Korea, I wouldn't be surprised if their standards are rather low and it's obliterated in an earthquake.

It's not clear to me if it is a good idea or even safe.

This might be one of those "yeah it's possible".