A Russian travel YouTuber who recently toured North Korea has gained attention by revealing scenes of the Pyongyang metro system.
Victor uploaded a video titled Pyongyang Metro (2024), North Korea to his YouTube channel, PoletMe Aviation Videos, last Wednesday. It is reported that he took a 5-day, 4-night trip to North Korea in October.
The video showcases the interiors and stations of the Pyongyang metro system, filmed during his visit. Victor explained that tourists are only allowed to visit and record in certain designated areas.
Victor experienced the Pyongyang metro starting at Puhung Station, moving through Yonggwang and Kaeson Stations. While Puhung Station features a relatively simple interior, Yonggwang Station is adorned with high arched ceilings, elaborate lighting, and portraits of Kim Il Sung. Kaeson Station, remodeled in 2019, has a modern atmosphere with digital screens installed on the ceilings. According to subtitles in the video, the metro fare is 150 won.
At each station, female guides were stationed, using hand signals to direct passengers. Shortly afterward, a three-car train, which appeared to be an older model, arrived, and many passengers boarded and disembarked, creating a bustling scene inside the metro.
Later, a newer train arrived. Victor explained, “The new train is said to be domestically manufactured.” After riding both the older and newer trains, he commented, “Unlike the older train, which featured a wooden interior design, the interior of the new train is not significantly different from older trains commonly seen in other countries. Screens mounted on the ceiling continuously played socialist propaganda advertisements.” Inside the train, photos of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il were displayed.
At Kaeson Station, which was remodeled in 2019, Victor noticed a man wearing a hooded jacket with an Under Armour logo prominently displayed on his backpack. The man stood out as he passed through a crowd of local students in school uniforms. Under Armour is an American sportswear brand. North Korea, which often views the United States as a symbol of imperialism, typically bans items like jeans.
Victor revealed that the five-day North Korea tour departing from Vladivostok cost a total of $1,378. This includes airfare, accommodations, and meals.
After closing its borders during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea began welcoming tourists again in February of 2024. According to an announcement by the Russian Embassy in North Korea, more than 1,000 Russian tourists visited North Korea between February and September.
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