Network
The Pyongyang Metro network consists of two lines:
- Ch'ŏllima line, named after a very fast horse from ancient Korean mythology. It spans about 12 km (~8 mi). Construction started in 1968, and the line was opened on September 6, 1973.
- Hyŏksin line, which literally means renewal, spans about 10 km (~6 mi). Regular service started on October 9, 1975.
For the most part, the stations' names do not refer to the locations of the stations; instead, stations are named after themes and characteristics from North Korea's revolution. But Kaesŏn ("Triumph") is located at the Arch of Triumph.
The network is completely underground. The design of the network was based on metro networks in other communist countries, in particular the Moscow Metro. Both networks share many characteristics, such as the great depth of the lines (100 meters plus) and the large distance between stations. Another common feature is the Socialist realist art that can be found in the stations such as murals and statues. Staff of the Metro have a military-style uniform that is specific to these workers.
In times of war, the metro stations can serve as bomb shelters. For this purpose, the stations are fitted with large steel doors. Some sources claim that large military installations are connected to the stations, and also that there exist secret lines solely for government use.
One station—Kwangmyŏng (Korean: 광명)—is reported to be closed since 1995, due to the mausoleum of Kim Il-Sung located at that station. Trains do not stop at that station.
The Hyŏksin line is reported to have two new stations planned or under development, Yŏngung (Korean: 영웅) and Ch'ilgok (Korean: 칠곡). The map of the Hyŏksin line shows these two additional stations after Kwangbok station.
The map of the Chŏllima line shows two additional stations, Ryŏnmot (Korean: 련못), Sŏp'o (Korean: 서포), Ch'ŏngch'un (Korean: 청춘) and Mangyŏngdae (Korean: 만경대), at each end of this line which are planned or under development.
Each Metro station has a free toilet for use by patrons. Stations also broadcast the programs from state radio and have a display of the newspaper Rodong Sinmun.
One surprising detail is that many windows of the subway cars show signs of German graffiti. This is because the cars were mostly imported from Berlin, Germany.
Read more about this topic: Pyongyang Metro
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