As a way to submerge themselves in a foreign culture and learn about the customs of another country, the Selma Rotary Club hosted five rotary members from South Korea Wednesday. The program, Rotary International, is something Selma Rotarians have been participating in for several years.

Members met at the Tally Ho restaurant to greet Thomas Hong, Mi-lye Bok, Duck Hoon Kim, Jae Kwang Kim and Ban Ji Lee — all Rotary Club members from South Korea.

Bob Kelley, owner of the Talley Ho and Rotary Club member, showed members around the area, highlighting some of Selma’s most historic sites.

“This is just a way to communicate internationally and act as a good will ambassador to foreign Rotarians,” Kelley said, adding that he has participated in the program several times, traveling to foreign countries such as Montreal and Australia.

While exploring Selma, South Korean Rotarians said some of the things that stuck out the most were Selma’s rich history along with all of the trees draped in Spanish moss.

“We’ve been learning a lot here,” said Jae Kwang Kim. “The nature is so pretty and it’s a lot different than Korea.”

Before visiting Selma, members enjoyed a Montgomery Biscuits game and also toured Chilton County. Tomorrow, they will travel to Demopolis to meet with city leaders.

Kelley said members will be traveling to various areas throughout the United States for a month, meeting with Rotary Club members.

“Rotary also has international conferences every year,” Kelley said. “Members will travel far and wide to attend these and experience other countries.”

Thomas Hong, team leader, said it was a privilege to visit Selma and spend time with fellow American Rotary Club members. Everything his team has seen, Hong said, has been both exciting as well as a learning experience.

“It’s an honor to be here and to take part in something like this,” Hong said. “On behalf of South Korea, we are honored to be here.”