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Metro System, 조선민주주의인민공화국 - Things to Do in Metro System

Metro System

Metro System, 조선민주주의인민공화국 - Complete Travel Guide

The Pyongyang Metro System in North Korea stands as one of the world's most unique and architecturally impressive subway networks. Built in the 1970s with assistance from China and the Soviet Union, this underground marvel extends over 22 kilometers and features ornate stations decorated with elaborate chandeliers, marble columns, and colorful murals depicting Korean revolutionary themes. The metro serves both as functional public transportation and as a showcase of North Korean engineering and artistic achievement. Visiting the Pyongyang Metro offers travelers a rare glimpse into daily life in North Korea's capital city. The system's stations are renowned for being among the deepest in the world, some reaching depths of over 100 meters underground, originally designed to serve as bomb shelters. While tourist access is typically limited to specific stations and requires official guides, the experience provides an extraordinary window into North Korean culture, architecture, and urban planning that few visitors to the country will ever forget.

Top Metro System

Guided Metro Station Tour

Explore the ornate underground stations of the Pyongyang Metro with mandatory official guides. Marvel at the grand architecture, socialist realist artwork, and elaborate chandeliers that make these stations more like underground palaces than typical subway stops.

Booking Tip: All visits must be arranged through official North Korean tour operators as part of organized tours. Expect to pay $2000-5000+ for multi-day tours that include metro access. Book 2-3 months in advance through authorized agencies.

Revolutionary Mural Photography

Document the impressive socialist realist murals and mosaics that adorn the metro stations, depicting scenes from Korean history and revolutionary themes. Each station features unique artistic elements that showcase North Korean propaganda art at its most elaborate.

Booking Tip: Photography permissions vary and are strictly controlled by guides. Ensure your tour package explicitly includes photography rights. Additional fees may apply for camera use, typically $50-100.

Deep Underground Experience

Descend into one of the world's deepest metro systems, with some stations located over 100 meters underground. The lengthy escalator rides and vast underground spaces provide a unique perspective on North Korean engineering capabilities and Cold War-era infrastructure.

Booking Tip: Access is limited to 1-2 stations typically (Puhung and Yonggwang). Tours last 30-60 minutes and are included in standard Pyongyang city tours. No separate booking possible - must be part of complete tour package.

Local Commuter Observation

Observe daily life of Pyongyang residents during their commute, offering rare insights into ordinary North Korean urban life. Watch locals reading newspapers, conversing, and going about their daily routines in this controlled glimpse of authentic city life.

Booking Tip: Interaction with locals is extremely limited and controlled. Tours typically avoid rush hours. Best viewing opportunities are mid-morning or early afternoon when crowds are lighter and guides allow more observation time.

Architecture and Design Study

Examine the unique blend of Soviet, Chinese, and Korean architectural influences in the metro's design. Study the construction techniques, decorative elements, and urban planning principles that make this system architecturally significant.

Booking Tip: Request tours that focus on architectural aspects when booking. Some specialized tours cater to architecture enthusiasts for additional fees. Bring notebook for observations as detailed photography may be restricted.

Getting There

Access to North Korea and its Metro System is extremely restricted and requires joining an organized tour through authorized agencies. Most visitors fly into Pyongyang via Beijing or Russia, with Air Koryo being the national carrier. All travel must be pre-arranged through official tour operators approved by the North Korean government, and independent travel is not permitted. Visas are required for all nationalities except some diplomatic passport holders, and the visa process can take several weeks to months.

Getting Around

Movement within Pyongyang is strictly controlled and visitors must be accompanied by official guides at all times. Transportation is provided by tour operators using designated vehicles, and access to public transportation including the metro is limited to specific stations and times. Walking independently is not permitted, and all movements are pre-planned and supervised. The Metro System itself uses a token-based payment system, but tourists typically receive special access through their guides rather than using the standard fare system.

Where to Stay

Yanggakdo International Hotel
Koryo Hotel
Sosan Hotel
Ryanggang Hotel
Haebangsan Hotel
Potonggang Hotel

Food & Dining

Dining options for tourists in Pyongyang are limited to hotel restaurants and a few approved establishments that cater to foreign visitors. Korean cuisine features rice, kimchi, grilled meats, and various vegetable dishes, with meals typically included in tour packages. Local specialties include naengmyeon (cold noodles), bulgogi, and various seafood dishes. Alcohol, particularly local beer and soju, is available at most tourist-approved restaurants. All dining is pre-arranged through tour operators, and independent restaurant visits are not permitted.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Pyongyang

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

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Pizzeria O

4.8 /5
(6343 reviews) 2

Bistecca Italian Restaurant in Da Nang

4.9 /5
(1689 reviews)

Rosso1924

4.8 /5
(1648 reviews) 2

Schedule Seoungsu Restaurant

4.8 /5
(1620 reviews)

Terraviva Pizza & Italian Cuisine

4.9 /5
(450 reviews) 2

Pasta Studio Jeju

4.8 /5
(320 reviews)

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Pyongyang and its Metro System is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) when weather is mild and comfortable. Summer can be hot and humid with heavy rainfall, while winter brings harsh cold and snow. Political considerations and international relations significantly impact tour availability, so timing depends heavily on current diplomatic situations. Tours may be suspended during major national holidays or political events, and availability varies greatly from year to year based on government policies.

Insider Tips

All photography and behavior is strictly monitored - follow guide instructions exactly to avoid serious consequences
Bring cash in euros or Chinese yuan as credit cards are not accepted and currency exchange is limited
Pack conservatively and avoid bringing any materials that could be considered politically sensitive, including certain books, magazines, or electronic content

Activities in Metro System