'Amazing'... Photos Mistaken for Seoul Station: Pyongyang Subway Transformed by Kim Jong-un's Orders

Remodeled for the First Time in Over 50 Years
Pyongyang Subway Now Unveiled

In 2015, after Chairman Kim Jong-un pointed out, "The design of subway stations needs to be changed. The ceiling height of underground platforms should be lowered, long benches should be placed between the columns of the platforms, and TVs should be installed like in airport terminals," the Pyongyang subway has undergone remodeling for the first time in over 50 years since its opening. The transformed appearance has now been revealed.

'Amazing'... Photos Mistaken for Seoul Station: Pyongyang Subway Transformed by Kim Jong-un's Orders

The Choson Sinbo, the official newspaper of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, reported on the 30th that the Pyongyang subway in North Korea is becoming more convenient. Choson Sinbo Yonhap News

On the 30th, Yonhap News, citing The Choson Sinbo, the official newspaper of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, reported that the Pyongyang subway has been undergoing significant changes since the 2010s and into the 2020s. According to Yonhap News and The Choson Sinbo, recently, stations such as Kaeson, Moranbong, Chonsung, Jonu, Pulgunbyol, and Hyoksin have completed remodeling, and this year, Yonggwang and Puksong stations have also been newly renovated.

The Pyongyang subway began after President Kim Il-sung announced the policy to construct a subway in 1956 and broke ground in 1962. In September 1973, at the opening ceremony for the first phase held in front of Bonghwa Station, President Kim cut the ribbon, marking the beginning of the subway era. Subsequently, the second phase opening ceremony was held in front of Rakwon Station in October 1975, the third phase in front of Kwangbok Station in September 1978, and the fourth phase in front of Puhung Station in April 1987, thus completing the construction of the Pyongyang subway.

These changes have been fully implemented after the beginning of the Kim Jong-un era. On November 19, 2015, Chairman Kim Jong-un visited a subway station and instructed, "The design of subway stations needs to be changed. The ceiling height of underground platforms should be lowered, long benches should be placed between the columns of the platforms, and TVs should be installed like in airport terminals." He also directed, "Automatic ticket gates should be installed in subway stations, just like the automatic gates in airport terminals."

In fact, photos of Pyongyang subway stations taken in the 1990s show that the interiors were relatively dark, with no electronic information boards or benches for passengers. However, the photos recently released by The Choson Sinbo show that the dome-shaped ceilings are high and give a spacious impression, with lighting installed throughout the stations, brightly illuminating the interiors. Additionally, the train information screens display the destination, station name, temperature, and humidity. Passengers waiting for the subway are seen sitting on benches, using smartphones or reading newspapers.

Meanwhile, the Pyongyang subway is also being utilized as a major tourist attraction. Last month, a delegation from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, headed by Deputy Minister Vitaly Shulika, visited the Pyongyang subway. In February last year, staff from the Russian Embassy in North Korea also toured the remodeled subway stations. In February this year, Wang Yajun, the Chinese Ambassador to North Korea, visited Puhung Station on the Pyongyang subway with embassy officials and stated, "I hope that in the future, more Chinese tourists will visit the Pyongyang subway, experience its depth, convenience, and order, and that this will promote mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries."