North Korean Pyongyang Scenery Seen by Russian Tourists
Kim Jong-un Photos and Socialist Propaganda Everywhere
A view of Pyongyang Metro Kaesim Station taken by Russian tourists visiting North Korea. A student is wearing a backpack from the American sports brand Under Armour. YouTube channel 'PoletMe Aviation Videos'
A Russian travel YouTuber has attracted attention by releasing a video reviewing 'North Korea tourism.'
On the 27th, the travel YouTuber 'Victor' uploaded a video titled 'Pyongyang Subway (2024), North Korea' on his YouTube channel 'PoletMe Aviation Videos.' In the video, Victor revealed that he traveled to North Korea last month for a 4-night, 5-day trip. The video shows the interior of the subway and the station in Pyongyang on the second day of the North Korea trip.
The Russian tourists, who traveled by car to Pyongyang Buhung Station, received paper tickets from a man who appeared to be a local guide. The fare was 150 won. They took an escalator down to the platform deep underground. The platform ceiling was arched. On the walls, European-style arched decorations along with the phrase 'Great Leader Comrade Kim Il-sung' and pictures of the Kim Il-sung family caught the eye.
Pyongyang Metro filmed by Russian tourists visiting North Korea. YouTube channel 'PoletMe Aviation Videos'
Soon after, the train arrived. Inside the train, photos of the Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il father and son were also displayed. The group got off at Yeonggwang Station, one stop after Buhung Station. Yeonggwang Station was decorated with a more antique interior than Buhung Station. It had a high arched ceiling with elaborate lighting. On the walls, a large painting of Kim Il-sung could also be seen. A screen hanging from the ceiling continuously showed socialist propaganda advertisements. Victor explained, "Previously, tourists could only visit two stations (Buhung Station and Yeonggwang Station), but today we were able to go to a third station as well."
They got off at Gaesein Station, four stops later. It had a more modern atmosphere than the previous stations. Victor explained that the station was remodeled in 2019. There was also a screen hanging from the ceiling. However, murals praising the Kim Il-sung family were still present here, and a bust of Kim Il-sung was erected on one side. The camera also captured local students in school uniforms walking in groups. Among them, one male student caught attention as he wore the hood of his hoodie backward and carried a bag with a large Under Armour logo. Under Armour is an American sports brand. North Korea usually considers the U.S. a symbol of imperialism and even bans wearing jeans.
They left the station and took a bus again. Inside the bus, they received ice cream handed out by the guide. It was an ice cream called 'Eskimo' with a peanut flavor. Outside the window, the cityscape of Pyongyang was visible. Wide and pleasant roads stretched between high-rise buildings, but there were still not many vehicles, and people crossing the street illegally while pulling handcarts were often seen.
Victor revealed that the total cost of the 5-day North Korea tour departing from Vladivostok was $1,378 (approximately 1.91 million KRW). He explained that this included airfare, accommodation, meals, and other expenses. North Korea, which had closed its borders after COVID-19, reopened to travelers in February this year. According to the North Korea Russian Embassy's announcement, more than 1,000 Russian tourists visited North Korea from February to September.
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