Pyongyang Metro

Pyongyang Metro
Public domain · source
Name	Pyongyang Metro
Native name	평양 지하철
Locale	Pyongyang, North Korea
Transit type	Rapid transit
Began operation	9 September 1973
Stations	17
Track gauge	ussg
El	bottom
Operator	Transport and Communication Commission

Pyongyang Metro. It is the deepest metro system in the world, with some stations reportedly lying over 100 meters underground, doubling as potential bomb shelters. Operated by the Transport and Communication Commission, it is one of the key public transport systems in the capital of North Korea. The system is noted for its grand socialist realist architecture, elaborate mosaics, and propagandistic artwork glorifying the ruling dynasty and the Workers' Party of Korea.

History

Planning for the system began in the late 1960s with assistance from the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. The first line, the Chollima Line, opened on 9 September 1973, coinciding with the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. Initial construction reportedly involved support from East Germany and used technology similar to the Moscow Metro. Further expansion led to the opening of the Hyoksin Line in 1978. While original plans envisioned a larger network, construction largely halted after the Dissolution of the Soviet Union and the ensuing economic crisis. Foreign visitors, including tourists from China and journalists, were first allowed limited access in the 1990s.

Network and stations

The system consists of two lines: the Chollima Line, running north-south, and the Hyoksin Line, running east-west, intersecting at Chonu Station. The network serves major districts of Pyongyang, including Mangyongdae and Potonggang. Stations are famously deep; Puhung Station and Yonggwang Station are among the deepest. Other notable stations include Kaeson Station, located near the Arch of Triumph, and Pulgunbyol Station. The system's design includes blast doors and hardened tunnels, reflecting its dual civil defense role. The Korean State Railway operates connecting services.

Rolling stock

The metro initially used DK4 rolling stock imported from East Germany, which were based on designs from the Berlin U-Bahn. Later, newer trains, possibly refurbished from German or Czechoslovak models, were introduced. Some cars are believed to have been acquired from the Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund after the German reunification. The trains are maintained at the Tosong Metro Depot. The distinctive red and cream livery of the carriages is a common feature in official imagery from the Korean Central News Agency.

Operations and service

The metro operates daily from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with a flat fare paid using a token. Service intervals are typically 5-10 minutes but can be longer. The system is a vital commute route for workers at institutions like the Kim Il-sung University and the Mansudae Assembly Hall. All announcements and signage are in Korean, using the Chosŏn'gŭl script. Operations are tightly controlled, with guides from the Korean International Travel Company often accompanying foreign visitors on designated carriages.

Architecture and art

The stations are monumental in scale, featuring high vaulted ceilings, grand chandeliers, and lavish use of Marble. The interior design is a prime example of national art, dominated by Socialist realism themes. Extensive mosaics, bronze statues, and frescoes depict scenes from the Korean revolution, the Korean War, and the lives of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Puhung Station features a large mural of the sacred mountain, while Yonggwang Station displays scenes of industrial triumph. The artwork is meticulously maintained by the Mansudae Art Studio.

In popular culture

The metro has been featured in several documentaries and news reports by broadcasters like the British Broadcasting Corporation and CNN, often highlighting its architectural grandeur and controlled access. It appears in the travelogue The Impossible State by Victor Cha and is a common setting in Western media portrayals of North Korea, such as in the film The Interview. The system's imagery is also prominently used in domestic propaganda films produced by the Korean Film Studio, celebrating the achievements of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Category:Rapid transit in North Korea Category:Transport in Pyongyang Category:Buildings and structures in Pyongyang