Journal-News.com

HAMILTON — About 50 Korean students came to the Butler County Fair on Wednesday, July 23, but many did not understand exactly what a fair was.

"It's very unexpected. We don't have these in Korea," said True Woo of Seoul. "It's very new."

The 47 students came to the United States on June 26 and leave Aug. 2 as part of an international education program with Miami University. They came from the University of Seoul and Pusan National University to take classes at Miami and learn about U.S. culture.

While at the fair, the Korean students split into groups of about 10 led by 4-H Junior Fair Board members.

The 4-H members were unfamiliar with Korea and the program, but Simone Vessel of West Chester Twp. said that she's picked up some Korean from television.

"They seem a little apprehensive about the animals," Vessel said, noting she had similar reactions when she joined 4-H.

The students kicked off their visit with a magic show — complete with card tricks and slights of hand — by "Magic" Mike Wagner.

The show was "so impressive and interesting — a surprise," said Lee Hyo Gyeong.

The students, many with cameras in hand, were then taken on tours by 4-H members. Some went into an exhibit based on a mole's view from underground.

Other excursions for the students include trips to Kings Island, the opera and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

It's the difference between Oxford and the urban cities that the students come from that is the biggest adjustment for them, Keitges said. "It's a little bit like visiting Disneyland," he added. "They think it's very cute."

Contact this reporter at bburks@coxohio.com.