NORTH KOREA: The Pyongyang metro has undertaken a station remodelling and beautification programme which the official Korean Central News Agency said is designed to ‘meet the requirements of the new century’ and add beauty to the capital city.
National leader Kim Jong Un gave ‘precious instructions’ on remodelling the stations, drawing inspiration from Pyongyang International Airport. The underground areas of Jonu, Sungri, Kwangbok, Ragwon and other stations have been improved, with escalators, ceilings, pillars and walls made ‘more graceful’ with various styles of decorations and lighting. Benches, screens, newspaper boards and weather information signs have been arranged ‘in a rational way’ for the convenience of passengers waiting for ‘new-type subway trains made by DPRK workers on the principle of convenience and architectural beauty’.
KCNA said the metro is ‘a reliable means of transportation, a place for ideological and cultural education’ and a ‘good underground palace to be recorded long in history.’
China’s Ambassador Wang Yajun visited the metro earlier this year to see the improvements. He said he hoped more Chinese tourists would visit the metro in the future to experience its convenience and orderliness, and promote mutual understanding and friendship.
