The Pyongyang subway, opened in 1973, is the deepest in the world, reaching more than 110 meters below the surface. It was designed not only for transportation but also as an anti-aircraft shelter, with stations featuring heavy doors and large, reinforced structures meant to protect people during wartime. The system includes two lines covering 22.5 kilometers of track with seventeen original stations. One of these, Kwangmyong, was closed in 1995 because it was connected to the Kumsusan Palace, where the remains of North Korea’s former leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, are housed. Foreigners are not allowed to access most parts of the subway, and visits are tightly controlled by the government.
The design of the subway was inspired by the Moscow Metro, with stations decorated in marble, frescoes, and large chandeliers. The project began in 1968 with support from the Soviet Union and China. Unlike most subways, the names of the stations do not reflect geography but instead celebrate themes related to the North Korean Revolution. The Chŏllima line runs from Puhŭng station on the Taedong River to Pulgŭnbyŏl, while the Hyŏksin line connects Kwangbok in the southwest to Ragwŏn in the northeast. These two lines meet at Chŏnu station.
The subway’s great depth and grand design have led to speculation about its role beyond regular transportation. Some see it as a symbol of North Korea’s resilience, its architectural ambition, and its emphasis on political control. Since its opening, the subway has remained largely unchanged, with only minor adjustments like the closure of Kwangmyong station. Foreign visitors are allowed only in specific areas of the system, which has sparked curiosity and wonder about what might lie hidden in the parts of the subway not open to the public.
The Pyongyang subway remains a unique and mysterious part of the city’s infrastructure. While it serves as a functional transit system, its construction and design reflect the priorities and ideology of North Korea’s leadership. The limited access for foreigners and the secrecy surrounding certain parts of the network have only added to its intrigue, making it a subject of fascination for those interested in the country’s history and architecture.
Pyongyang Subway: A Deep and Mysterious Underground Network
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