Russian Travel YouTuber Viktor Visits North Korea
Experiences Subway from Pyongyang Bohung Station to Kaesong Station
5 Days Cost 1.91 Million KRW...Attracts Attention Wearing Under Armour
A Russian travel YouTuber who traveled to North Korea has attracted attention by revealing the appearance of Pyongyang's subway. On the 27th, a video titled "Pyongyang Subway (2024), North Korea" was posted on the YouTube channel ‘PoletMe Aviation Videos’. The travel YouTuber Viktor is known to have visited North Korea last month for a 4-night, 5-day trip. According to Viktor, tourists are allowed to visit and film in some permitted areas, and he experienced the subway starting from Pyongyang Buhung Station, then Yeonggwang Station, and Gaeseong Station, capturing the interior of the trains and the station appearances.
Interior view of an old model train in Pyongyang filmed by Russian travel YouTuber Viktor. 'PoletMe Aviation Videos' YouTube
Among these, Buhung Station had a relatively simple interior, but Yeonggwang Station was decorated with a high arched ceiling, splendid lighting, and a portrait of Kim Il-sung. Gaeseong Station, remodeled in 2019, had a relatively modern atmosphere, and digital screens were installed on the ceiling. The subway fare was reported to be 150 won. Another unique feature was the presence of female attendants at each station who gave hand signals. Soon, a three-car train that appeared to be old arrived, and many passengers boarded and disembarked, making the subway crowded with passengers.
After using both the old and new trains, Viktor explained, "The new trains were domestically produced." He added, "Unlike the old trains designed with wood, the interior of the new trains is not much different from that of the old trains. On the screens attached to the ceiling, socialist propaganda advertisements were continuously shown." Inside the train, photos of the Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il father and son were displayed.
A person wearing an Under Armour bag, filmed by Russian travel YouTuber Viktor. 'PoletMe Aviation Videos' YouTube
After getting off at Gaeseong Station, Viktor spotted a man passing by among local students in school uniforms, wearing a hooded zip-up with the hood flipped up and carrying a bag prominently featuring the Under Armour logo. Under Armour is an American sports brand, which is notable considering North Korea usually regards the U.S. as a symbol of imperialism and even bans wearing jeans.
Viktor revealed that the total cost of the 5-day North Korea tour departing from Vladivostok was $1,378 (approximately 1.91 million KRW). This price included airfare, accommodation, and meals. North Korea, which had closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resumed tourism in February this year. According to the North Korean Russian Embassy's announcement, over 1,000 Russian tourists visited North Korea by September.
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