Gallery: Inside North Korea's Subway System
01entrance-4
The entrance to the Puhoong station, under the watchful eye of a guard. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
02ticket-counter
Passengers line up to purchase tickets. *Photo: Aaron Mertz*
03map
A light-up map of the 16 stations on two lines. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
04escalator
At a depth of over 100 meters, the Pyongyang Metro is likely one of the world's deepest. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
05lights
The subterranean stations are dimly lit, with every other bulb illuminated, likely to save limited power supplies. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
06hall-2
The platform of Puhoong Station, one of the showpiece stations build in the 1980s. *Photo: Aaron Mertz*
07train
A train pulls into the station. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
08group
A group of riders mingles on the platform as an attendant looks on. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
09passengers
Passengers await departure. The graffiti visible on the window is a remnant from the car's former life in East Germany. *Photo: Aaron Mertz*
10newspaper-1
Government produced newspapers are displayed at the stations. *Photo: Aaron Mertz*
11passengers-2
Passengers disembark. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
12girl-2
Under the watchful eyes of North Korea's past leaders. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
13hall
A statue adorns the Kaeson station. *Photo: Aaron Mertz*
14guard
A metro attendant awaits the next train, against the backdrop of a mosaic. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
15newspaper-2
Newspaper readers at Kaeson station. *Photo: Jeffrey Marlow*
Breathe Easy Thanks to the Best Air Purifier for Every Home
Protect your home against dust, pets, allergens, and more with the best air purifiers, tested firsthand.
Molly Higgins
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
The Best Meal Kits of 2026, Tested by a Former Restaurant Critic
Here are the best delivery services and meal kits in 2026, including Martha Stewart’s meal service, a GLP-1–supportive plan, and a budget-friendly option.
Matthew Korfhage
Stop Playing Monopoly and Scrabble. These Board Games Will Elevate Your Family Game Night
From monsters to kittens to strategy games, these sets will liven things up on nights when everyone is tired of screens.
Simon Hill
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The 10 Best WIRED-Tested Pet Cameras
Whether you’re near or far, keep an eye on your fur baby with our favorite pet cameras.
Molly Higgins
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
Apple just raised its prices. Here’s an updated breakdown of the brand’s tablets to find the best one for your needs.
Luke Larsen
The Best Portable Power Stations for Blackouts, Camping, or Van Life
Whether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.
Simon Hill
The Best Wi-Fi Routers to Reach Every Corner of Your Home
Don’t suffer the buffer. These WIRED-tested home routers will deliver reliable internet across your home, whatever your needs or budget.
Simon Hill
What’s Worse Than Romance Scams? Adoption Scams
This week in WIRED Book Club, we recap the final chapters of The Yahoo Boys.
Kate Knibbs
23 Gift Ideas for the Cook in Your Life
From the best air fryer to frying pans to knife sharpeners anyone can use, these ideas will keep the curious home chef in your life tinkering away.
Matthew Korfhage