The first episode of Physical: Welcome to Mongolia shows friends and former rivals arriving in a freezing Ulaanbaatar with one main worry. Would anyone in Mongolia know who they were? The new Netflix series follows popular athletes from the hit competition show Physical: Asia as they travel together.
The series brings together Kim Dong-hyun and Amotti from Team Korea with Bayarsaikhan Orkhonbayar (often called Orkhonbayar) and Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochir from Team Mongolia. Their trip fulfills a promise made on Physical: Asia, where the Mongolian team captain said he would host the Korean team if they won.
The Cast’s Journey to Ulaanbaatar Begins
The journey starts at the airport, where Kim Dong-hyun and Amotti prepare for their trip. They talk about the extreme cold awaiting them in Mongolia, with temperatures reaching -21 degrees Celsius. Amotti mentions he received messages from people telling him not to travel to Mongolia right now because it is the coldest time of the year.
They discuss how many layers of clothing they might need to stay warm. The two friends also joke about the amount of luggage they have brought for the short, three-night, four-day trip.
A Relieving Welcome from Mongolian Fans
The big question on their minds is answered quickly. Shortly after arriving at the airport in Ulaanbaatar, fans approach them for photos and hugs. One fan tells them they are “so famous” in Mongolia.
“I’m curious when we get to Mongolia. Will anyone recognize us?” asked Amotti at the airport.
Kim Dong-hyun even asked a fan if he and Amotti were like the global music sensation BTS in Mongolia. The fan said yes. They meet another fan who confirms that Physical: Asia is very popular there and is “all over social media”. This interaction leaves Amotti visibly relieved, happy to learn their show has found an audience in Mongolia too.
What to Expect from the New Netflix Series
Physical: Welcome to Mongolia is a four-episode travel reality series. The first two episodes premiered on December 24, 2025. The final two episodes were released on December 31, 2025. For viewers in the United States and other international regions, the full series became available for streaming on January 1, 2026.
The show focuses on friendship and cultural exchange. Orkhonbayar personally planned the itinerary to show his Korean friends an authentic side of Mongolia. This includes local eateries and cultural spots that everyday Mongolians enjoy, not just typical tourist destinations.
Viewers can expect to see activities like horseback riding and archery. A special highlight will be a circus performance by Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene-Ochir, who is also a performer with Cirque du Soleil. The series also features a surprise guest: Australian strongman and Physical: Asia competitor Eddie Williams, who appears in traditional Mongolian dress.
Also Read:
The Lasting Impact of Physical: Asia
This spinoff continues the story after the intense finale of Physical: Asia, which saw Team Korea ultimately win the competition. Team Mongolia performed strongly, finishing in second place. The original show was a major success for Netflix, holding the number one spot on its global top 10 list for three weeks.
The bonds formed during the tough competition are what led to this travel series. The producer of Physical: Asia, Jang Ho-gi, shared that the idea for a Mongolia-focused show came after meetings with Mongolian officials. They suggested a Korea versus Mongolia competition, but the concept expanded into the larger Asian version and now this friendship-driven trip.
Fan reactions to the announcement of the spinoff were very positive. On social media, many people from Mongolia expressed pride and happiness about their country being featured. One person wrote, “Thank you to the incredible Mongolian warrior team for representing us with such pride and for introducing our culture to so many people around the world”. Another user commented that the show made them want to visit Mongolia to experience the culture and food.
Also Read: Heated Rivalryโs Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie Reunite for New Audio Romance Ember and Ice
