Shin Dong-yup surprised by German mixed-gender bathing and birthday traditions

During the release of the web variety show 'Zzanbro Shin Dong-yup' on the 9th, Shin Dong-yup recounted his shock at German bathhouses where men and women bathe naked together and celebrate birthdays while consuming alcohol. German broadcaster Daniel explained that these practices stem from naturism, noting that approximately 50 people once gathered to apply honey to their bodies for skin care.

The mixed-gender bathing culture in Germany has caused astonishment among cast members on a broadcast. Shin Dong-yup and Sung Si-kyung were taken aback by the unique German scenes where men and women bathe together completely naked, drink alcohol, and even hold birthday parties. Daniel, a broadcaster from Germany, explained that this culture stems from naturism rather than sexual purposes.

In the web variety show 'Zzanbro Shin Dong-yup' released on the 9th, guests Lucky, Alberto, and Daniel appeared to share cultural experiences and stories from their respective countries. During the episode, Shin Dong-yup recalled a surprising experience at a local bathhouse when he visited Berlin with Sung Si-kyung for the filming of the past variety program 'Risqué Business'.

“I went to the bathhouse with Si-kyung, and there was no concept of separate men's or women's baths. Men and women used the shower rooms together without distinction,” Shin Dong-yup said. He expressed his surprise at the environment, which is entirely different from the typical bathhouse culture in Korea. He added a moment of laughter by mentioning he heard stories of encountering a friend's mother during such experiences.

An even more surprising story involved birthday parties taking place in the bathhouses. “In the place we went, they even had birthday parties in the bathhouse. Everyone sat there naked, drinking, and they were even selling alcohol,” Shin Dong-yup explained. The fact that spaces intended for bathing are utilized as places to socialize and celebrate special days beyond just washing and resting drew interest.

In response, Daniel emphasized that Germany's mixed-gender bathing culture is far from the sexual connotations commonly assumed. “It is not a culture that started with lewd meanings. It originates from naturism,” he explained, pointing to a cultural background where bodily exposure is not viewed as something special or shameful.

Daniel, despite being German, confessed that he was also surprised when he first experienced mixed-gender bathing. “Even though I am German, I was surprised when I went for the first time,” he said, describing the experience. He noted a unique scene where honey was served to people in small soju glasses.

“About 50 men and women were sitting together, and you could either eat the honey or apply it to your body,” Daniel said. “However, all 50 men and women were applying honey to their entire bodies. They apply it because it is good for the skin, but even I was a little shocked.” He explained that seeing people gathered in one space to apply honey to their bodies as part of skin care was initially unfamiliar and startling.

Listening to the stories, Lucky asked, “Is everything in Germany mixed-gender no matter where you go in the country?” To this, Daniel replied, “Everything is mixed-gender,” emphasizing the characteristic of German mixed-gender culture.

As separated baths for men and women are familiar in Korea, Germany's mixed-gender bathing culture presented a unique experience not only to the cast but also to viewers. Interest was gathered as the German landscape, combining a naturist perspective of accepting the body naturally with everyday bathing culture, was introduced through the broadcast.

Read the original (Korean)