A Russian YouTuber who recently visited North Korea has released a video filmed inside Pyongyang’s metro stations.
On October 27, YouTuber Viktor uploaded a video titled “Pyongyang Metro (2024), North Korea” on his channel. He visited North Korea last month on a five-day, four-night tour.
In the video, Viktor showcases the Pyongyang Metro’s Mangyongdae Line, featuring stops at Buhung Station, Yonggwang Station, and Kaesŏn Station.
According to Viktor, North Korea permits tourists to visit and film only
specific stations. “Previously, tourists were allowed to visit just two stations, Buhung and Yonggwang. Today, we could explore a third station,” he explained.
Viktor and his group traveled to Buhung Station by car before purchasing metro tickets under the guidance of their tour guide. The fare was 150 North Korean won. At each platform, staff members were stationed to signal incoming trains manually.
The group descended to the deep underground platform via the escalator. The arched ceilings and walls of the station were adorned with phrases like “Great Leader Comrade Kim Il-sung” and portraits of Kim Il-sung and his family. Inside the three-car Chollima Line train, photos of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il were also displayed.
Yonggwang Station featured a more ornate interior than Buhung Station, with high, arched ceilings and luxurious lighting. Viktor noted a significant presence of women dressed in traditional Korean hanbok.
The group exited at Kaesŏn Station, four stops later. Recently renovated in 2019, Kaesŏn Station had a more modern appearance than the previous stations, with screens hanging from the ceilings and murals accompanying a bust of Kim Il-sung.
At Kaesŏn Station, the group also captured a group of students in school uniforms on camera. One male student caught attention as he carried a backpack featuring a large Under Armour logo while wearing a hooded sweatshirt. Under Armour is a well-known American sportswear brand.
Viktor revealed that the five-day North Korean tour, departing from Vladivostok, cost a total of $1,378, which included flights, accommodation, and meals.
North Korea reopened its borders to tourists in February after closing them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang, over 1,000 Russian tourists visited North Korea between February and September.
BY HA SUYOUNG [ha.suyoung@joongang.co.kr]
