Pyongyang Metro Tourism

The Pyongyang Metro is the main rapid transit system in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. Opened in 1973, it consists of two lines – the Chollima line and the Hyoksin line, with approximately seventeen stations. The stations are known for their deep underground construction, which serves the dual purpose of acting as bomb shelters and showcases of North Korean culture and achievements, often highly stylizing Juche ideology themes. Many stations feature grandiose architecture with themes based on revolutionary triumphs. Murals, mosaics, and statues are commonplace, giving each station a unique aesthetic. Often referred to as one of the deepest metro systems in the world, its tunnels run as low as 110 meters below the surface. Trains are primarily old German stock, dating back to the 1950s and 1960s, and add to the metro's unique historical atmosphere. The Pyongyang Metro is not only a means of mass transportation but also a touristic attraction, offering insight into North Korean society and culture. It has limited accessibility to foreigners, who are usually only allowed to travel between specific stations accompanied by official tour guides.