The newest Netflix spin-off, Physical: Welcome to Mongolia, brings back the high-energy and friendship from its predecessor. The show’s first episode followed Korean stars Kim Dong-hyun and Amotti as they were welcomed by Team Mongolia captain Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan. Their busy second day featured a helicopter ride and a major shopping trip to a local landmark, showing a more personal side to the tough athletes from Physical: Asia. The entire four-part travel series began streaming globally on January 1, 2026.
From the Wrestling Mat to the State Department Store
The first stop for the team on their packed second day was the State Department Store in Ulaanbaatar, a major local shopping destination. The trip started with Kim Dong-hyun on a specific mission. He had a request from home to follow.
“I’d like to see some Mongolian souvenirs. I talked to my wife on the phone, and she said to buy something cashmere because Mongolian cashmere is famous,” said Kim Dong-hyun.
The shopping quickly became a fun and funny experience for everyone. The group found a stall selling unique hats, including one with cute baby bear ears. Both Kim Dong-hyun and Amotti tried it on, laughing. They decided to buy three matching hats for the whole team. Orkhonbayar, known for his strong wrestling image, was reluctant at first. Kim Dong-hyun joked that Orkhonbayar was too “manly” for such a cute item, but they insisted on buying one for him too.
The bonding continued in a children’s clothing store. Kim Dong-hyun asked Orkhonbayar for help picking clothes for his young son. Amotti also asked for suggestions for his unborn daughter. Orkhonbayar explained that in Mongolia, it is not common to buy clothes for a baby before it is born. The athletes also tried on heavy, furry coats and jokingly pretended to wrestle each other while wearing them, looking like traditional Mongolian warriors.
Orkhonbayar ended the shopping trip by surprising his Korean friends. When they went to pay for their souvenirs, he told them the items were his gift to them and paid for everything himself. On the way out, Kim Dong-hyun used a translation app on his phone to thank Orkhonbayar. He promised that if Orkhonbayar ever visits South Korea, they would return the favor at a Korean department store.
A Surprise Helicopter Ride Over the Mongolian Countryside
After shopping, the group had another big surprise. Orkhonbayar arranged a helicopter tour to show his guests the beautiful Mongolian landscape. Kim Dong-hyun and Amotti did not know about the plan until they saw the helicopter. Amotti asked if they were really going to ride in it. They all wore their new matching bear-eared hats for the flight.
Kim Dong-hyun shared that this was his first time ever in a helicopter. He was noticeably nervous as they took off. Orkhonbayar welcomed them officially as they rose into the air, saying, “Welcome to Mongolia”. Amotti filmed the whole experience on his phone, capturing their reactions and the amazing views below.
The flight provided stunning views of Mongolia’s natural beauty. The athletes saw snow-covered mountains, wide-open countryside, and wild animals like horses and camels roaming freely. At one point, Kim Dong-hyun got so scared when the helicopter changed direction that he asked Amotti to switch seats with him. Amotti and Orkhonbayar teased him, laughing that even though he is the “elder” of the group, he was the most afraid. When they landed safely, a relieved Kim Dong-hyun joked that they had “come back alive”.
The helicopter landed near a traditional camp, where they were greeted by more familiar faces. They met Australian strongman Eddie Williams, a fan favorite from Physical: Asia, who was in Mongolia filming for another project. They also reunited with Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochir (Ochir) from Team Mongolia.
The Story Behind the Friendship Trip
Physical: Welcome to Mongolia was created because of a simple promise. During the tense finale of Physical: Asia, Team Mongolia captain Orkhonbayar told Korean captain Kim Dong-hyun that if he won, he should visit Mongolia. Kim agreed to go if he got the chance. That friendly exchange sparked the idea for this special four-episode travel show.
The director of Physical: Asia, Jang Ho-gi, was so impressed by the positive reaction to the Mongolian team that he met with the country’s Prime Minister to plan the spin-off. Orkhonbayar personally planned the travel route, wanting to show an authentic side of his home country, not just the usual tourist spots. The show aims to highlight places that local Mongolians enjoy, including popular restaurants and cultural sites.
Athletes Step Out of the Arena and Into a New Adventure
For the athletes, this trip was a major shift from the intense competition of Physical: Asia. Instead of facing difficult challenges in an arena, they were now tourists exploring a new culture. The trip was very short, reportedly only about 24 hours long. Amotti commented on the non-stop schedule, saying, “This trip is too short. No sleep, no sleep โ 24 hours”.
The main cast includes Kim Dong-hyun and Amotti from Team Korea, and Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan and Ochir from Team Mongolia. The surprise appearance of Eddie Williams from Team Australia was a welcome addition for fans. Other Mongolian athletes from the original show, like judo competitor Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan and volleyball player Khandsuren Gantogtokh, were also expected to make appearances.
The episode showed a new side to these competitors. They were no longer just rivals; they were friends sharing laughs, gifts, and new experiences. From trying on silly hats to overcoming a fear of helicopters, the first episode built on the mutual respect formed during Physical: Asia and turned it into a memorable cross-cultural journey.
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How to Watch Physical: Welcome to Mongolia
The travel spin-off is now available for streaming worldwide. The show was first released in South Korea in two parts, with Episodes 1 and 2 on December 24, 2025, and Episodes 3 and 4 on December 31, 2025. The global release for all four episodes happened on January 1, 2026. The series is streaming exclusively on Netflix.
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