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Elliott Davies

“Golden Soil” Station features murals of fruits and vegetables. “Things that are completely normal to us,” Davies says, “but to all of the people in North Korea it represents self-sustainability for the nation. They make a big deal out of it.”

“Golden Soil” Station features murals of fruits and vegetables. “Things that are completely normal to us,” Davies says, “but to all of the people in North Korea it represents self-sustainability for the nation. They make a big deal out of it.”

“Nobody ran, pushed, laughed, or smiled in the Pyongyang Metro,” Davies says. “There was no chatter.” And forget playing Candy Crush—only about 10 percent of North Koreans owned cell phones as of 2014.

“Nobody ran, pushed, laughed, or smiled in the Pyongyang Metro,” Davies says. “There was no chatter.” And forget playing Candy Crush—only about 10 percent of North Koreans owned cell phones as of 2014.

The murals in the Pyongyang Metro are jubilant and patriotic. In this one, Kim Il Sung greets a worshipping crowd of North Koreans under fireworks and spotlights.

The murals in the Pyongyang Metro are jubilant and patriotic. In this one, Kim Il Sung greets a worshipping crowd of North Koreans under fireworks and spotlights.

Train platforms feature framed copies of the state-run newspaper. Commuters catch up on the news while waiting for their trains.

Train platforms feature framed copies of the state-run newspaper. Commuters catch up on the news while waiting for their trains.

Kwangbok Station features low lighting, possibly to show off this striking statue of Kim Il Sung. “It was quite creepy if I’m honest,” Davies says.

Kwangbok Station features low lighting, possibly to show off this striking statue of Kim Il Sung. “It was quite creepy if I’m honest,” Davies says.