Elaine Li photographed rarely seen moments in North Korea during her travels. One highlight from her journey was the Pyongyang Metro.<br />Decorations were often elaborate, including chandeliers on the ceilings, marble pillars and paintings of Kim Jong Il.
Elaine Li photographed rarely seen moments in North Korea during her travels. One highlight from her journey was the Pyongyang Metro.
Decorations were often elaborate, including chandeliers on the ceilings, marble pillars and paintings of Kim Jong Il.
Elaine Li
It's one of the deepest, and most mysterious, underground subways systems in the world.
It's one of the deepest, and most mysterious, underground subways systems in the world.
Elaine Li
"It looked like something straight out of the Hunger Games," Li said.
"It looked like something straight out of the Hunger Games," Li said.
Elaine Li
According to Li, the trains are quite efficient, running every few minutes.
According to Li, the trains are quite efficient, running every few minutes.
Elaine Li
This photograph is a highlight from Li's time at the Metro. The doors slammed shut just as she was taking this photograph of the conductor...
This photograph is a highlight from Li's time at the Metro. The doors slammed shut just as she was taking this photograph of the conductor...
Elaine Li
...but the conductor was able to stop the train in time for Li to make it on.
...but the conductor was able to stop the train in time for Li to make it on.
Elaine Li
The doors on the trains are opened and closed manually.
The doors on the trains are opened and closed manually.
Elaine Li
Although tour guides accompanied the visitors throughout the commute, Li said she was able to roam quite freely through the stations.
Although tour guides accompanied the visitors throughout the commute, Li said she was able to roam quite freely through the stations.
Elaine Li
The station platforms had newspapers on display for commuters to read.
The station platforms had newspapers on display for commuters to read.
Elaine Li
"However, as the platform itself was quite dim, this man brought his portable torch to read the newspaper," Li said.
"However, as the platform itself was quite dim, this man brought his portable torch to read the newspaper," Li said.
Elaine Li
Li drew comparisons between the advertisements on display in the subway in Hong Kong and the propaganda on display in North Korea. "In many ways these two set ups are very similar, because both systems showcase images by small group of people telling you to think in a certain way," she said.
Li drew comparisons between the advertisements on display in the subway in Hong Kong and the propaganda on display in North Korea. "In many ways these two set ups are very similar, because both systems showcase images by small group of people telling you to think in a certain way," she said.
Elaine Li
"The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. It seemed so tame -- no one was saying anything -- and perhaps could even be described as a little lifeless."
"The first thing I noticed was how quiet it was. It seemed so tame -- no one was saying anything -- and perhaps could even be described as a little lifeless."
Elaine Li
"In Pyongyang I did see some people on their smartphones, but far fewer so [than in Hong Kong.]"
"In Pyongyang I did see some people on their smartphones, but far fewer so [than in Hong Kong.]"
Elaine Li
Bikes, buses, and trams were the other primary forms of transportation, Li observed. This image shows the interior of a tram.
Bikes, buses, and trams were the other primary forms of transportation, Li observed. This image shows the interior of a tram.
Elaine Li
"Bikes are quite popular in Pyongyang, which makes sense since the city is quite flat and roads are long and wide."
"Bikes are quite popular in Pyongyang, which makes sense since the city is quite flat and roads are long and wide."
Elaine Li
Buses are also widely used.
Buses are also widely used.
Elaine Li
"I just wanted to document what was in front of me, and share what I experienced as honestly as possible."
"I just wanted to document what was in front of me, and share what I experienced as honestly as possible."
Elaine Li
"We are not allowed to take photos of soldiers, but...
"We are not allowed to take photos of soldiers, but...
Elaine Li
...I guess these soldiers had so much fun on the ride, because they didn't mind."
...I guess these soldiers had so much fun on the ride, because they didn't mind."
Elaine Li
This image of school kids fooling around with Snapchat lenses on Li's phone is one of her favorites. "It offers a positive memory," she said.
This image of school kids fooling around with Snapchat lenses on Li's phone is one of her favorites. "It offers a positive memory," she said.
Elaine Li
Li has received mixed responses for her North Korean travel pictures.
Li has received mixed responses for her North Korean travel pictures.
Elaine Li
"Some people say these images are eye opening, and show a side to the country that they don't usually get to see ...
"Some people say these images are eye opening, and show a side to the country that they don't usually get to see ...
Elaine Li
...others ask why I would ever go to North Korea in the first place."
...others ask why I would ever go to North Korea in the first place."
Elaine Li