In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭 Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Hello, Seoul! A Five-Day Urban Adventure Awaits in South Korea

🧭 Seoul on a Shoestring: 50 Must-Try Budget Eats Revealed!

✈️ What to Do When Your Luggage Goes Missing, Gets Delayed, or Arrives Damaged

😋🍴 Discover Cary (East & Drink): Taipei 101

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You, Trish!

🏛️ Support Local Businesses

Question: What Native American woman served as a guide for the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

You can read their Business Spotlight | Order Online | Catering Service

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more

Hello, Seoul! A Five-Day Urban Adventure Awaits in South Korea

sizzling street food fuels your every adventure. Over the next five days, you’ll wander through time-honored hanok villages, lose yourself in neon-lit night markets, and soak in panoramic city views from the top of Namsan.

Whether you're a history buff tracing the steps of dynasties past or a K-culture enthusiast chasing the latest trends, this itinerary is your all-access pass to the soul of Seoul. Grab your chopsticks and lace up those sneakers—your unforgettable Korean escape starts now.

To complement your 5-day itinerary, here's a video that is the “FIRST TIME In Seoul Korea. This City Is AMAZING!”

.Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=137vIpNJh8I

Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:​

Day 1: Historical Seoul

• Morning: Begin at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the largest of Seoul's Five Grand Palaces. Arrive by 9:30 AM to witness the changing of the guard ceremony at 10:00 AM.​

• Late Morning: Explore the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum, both located within the palace grounds.​

• Afternoon: Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional village with hanok—Korean houses—from the Joseon Dynasty.​

• Evening: Visit Insadong, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and traditional tea houses. It's an ideal spot for dinner and souvenir shopping.​

Day 2: Modern Seoul

• Morning: Head to Myeongdong, a bustling shopping district renowned for fashion boutiques and street food.​

• Afternoon: Explore the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an architectural landmark hosting exhibitions and events. Nearby, the Dongdaemun Market offers a vast array of goods.​

• Evening: Ascend N Seoul Tower on Namsan Mountain for panoramic city views. Consider dining at the tower's revolving restaurant.​

Day 3: Cultural Immersion

• Morning: Visit Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its architecture and the Secret Garden.​

• Afternoon: Experience a traditional Korean cooking class or participate in a hanbok (traditional attire) rental and photoshoot.​

• Evening: Explore the Hongdae district, known for its vibrant nightlife, street performances, and indie music scene.​

Day 4: Day Trip Options

• Option 1: DMZ Tour

  • Embark on a guided tour to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the border separating North and South Korea. Highlights include the 3rd Infiltration Tunnel, Dora Observatory, and the Joint Security Area (JSA).​

• Option 2: Nami Island and The Garden of Morning Calm

  • Visit Nami Island, famed for its tree-lined avenues and natural beauty. Nearby, the Garden of Morning Calm offers meticulously landscaped gardens and walking paths.​

Day 5: Leisure and Departure Preparations

• Morning: Relax at a traditional jjimjilbang (Korean spa) such as Dragon Hill Spa, experiencing various saunas and therapeutic baths.​

• Afternoon: Explore the Cheonggyecheon Stream, an urban renewal project offering a serene walking path through the city center.​

• Evening: Conclude your trip with a Korean barbecue dinner in the Itaewon district, known for its diverse culinary scene.​

This itinerary balances Seoul's rich history with its dynamic modern culture, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the city's multifaceted charm.

Learn about more family trips built for adventurers of all ages.

G Adventures is the leader in small group and solo travel for 30 years, they know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides. Check out the Online Deals: The Whole World is on sale! Shop Travel Deals

Whether you’ve strolled under palace gates or danced the night away in Hongdae, we want to know what you love most about Seoul! Pick your fave below—or reply with your own top spot! 👇

Travel Guides - Here are two comprehensive travel guides to help you plan your trip.

1. Seoul Travel Guide by The Korea Tourism Organization (VisitKorea)

Website: english.visitkorea.or.kr
Why it's great:

• Official government resource packed with up-to-date information on attractions, festivals, transportation, and local culture.

• Includes suggested itineraries, maps, and insider tips curated by locals.

• Available in multiple languages and optimized for mobile use while you're on the go.

2. Seoul City Guide on Culture Trip

Website: theculturetrip.com/asia/south-korea/seoul
Why it's great:

• A curated collection of travel stories, food guides, and unique experiences written by local experts and travelers.

• Great for discovering hidden gems, cool cafes, street food spots, and off-the-beaten-path activities.

• Includes stylish photography and practical tips for first-timers.

Seoul on a Shoestring: 50 Must-Try Budget Eats Revealed!

If you're dreaming of dumplings, sizzling street food, and sweet potato pizza (yes, really), this video is your ultimate foodie cheat code. The 2025 Korea Food Guide is finally here—and it’s a binge-worthy deep dive into 50 cheap eats and drinks across 20 top-rated spots in Seoul! 🇰🇷

From mouthwatering mandu at markets to Michelin-recommended noodles, Angelica and Eileen tasted it ALL—and they even break down the prices so you can plan your own affordable food crawl. 💸

Bonus: Stick around for their Top 10 Ranking and the big reveal of their #1 favorite resto (spoiler: it’s legendary).

🎥 Watch now and bookmark your foodie bucket list:

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyLri4IGfhI

We just watched 50 mouthwatering budget eats in Seoul—and now we’re hungry and curious. What would YOU go for first?

What to Do When Your Luggage Goes Missing, Gets Delayed, or Arrives Damaged

Whether you're preparing for a vacation or a business trip, the last thing you want is to start your journey without your bags. But in today’s complex travel landscape—crowded airports, tight layovers, and staffing challenges—lost, delayed, stolen, or damaged luggage has become an all-too-common experience. Fortunately, there are proactive steps travelers can take both before and during their trip to minimize the stress and potential cost of baggage mishaps.

Here’s a breakdown of practical steps and important safeguards, depending on your situation:

✈️ Before You Head to the Airport

• Book nonstop flights or flights with longer layovers to reduce the chance of bags getting lost during tight transfers—especially internationally.

• Take photos of your luggage and packed contents to help file a detailed report if your bag goes missing.

• Use tracking tools, including airline baggage trackers or devices like Apple AirTags, for real-time updates.

• Label your luggage inside and out—in case the external tag is torn off.

• Pack carry-ons only when possible, especially for short trips or when checking bags feels risky.

• Check your credit card’s travel protection benefits—many offer compensation for baggage delays or losses.

• Consider shipping luggage ahead of time for long stays or trips with multiple stops—just confirm storage with your destination.

• Discount airlines may be worth considering, as their fewer connections can reduce the risk of mishandled bags.

🛄 At the Airport Before Departure

• Check bags early, not at the last minute, to avoid security delays that could cause your bags to miss your flight.

• Keep valuables, electronics, and medication in your carry-on—never in checked baggage.

• Double-check your luggage tag at check-in to ensure it’s headed to the correct destination.

• Hold onto your baggage claim ticket or tag, in case you need to file a report later.

📍 If Your Bag Is Delayed

• Check other baggage carousels and the airline's baggage office in case your bag was misrouted.

• Use tracking tools to see your bag’s last known location.

• File a baggage claim form immediately at the airport if it hasn’t arrived.

• Let the airline deliver the bag to your destination once it arrives—make sure they have your address.

• Save receipts for essentials purchased while waiting (clothing, toiletries, etc.) for reimbursement.

🧳 If Your Bag Is Lost

• File a formal claim through your airline’s website or in person.

• Follow up with the Department of Transportation if you aren’t getting a resolution for U.S. domestic flights.

• Know your compensation rights:

  • Up to $3,800 for domestic flights (U.S. DOT regulation).

  • Up to $1,700 for international flights under the Montreal Convention.

• Check travel insurance or credit card benefits for additional loss coverage.

🧨 If Your Bag Is Damaged

• Report damage before leaving the airport—airlines are more likely to assist if you file on-site.

• Understand liability exclusions—airlines typically don’t cover fragile or improperly packed items.

• Check if wheels, straps, or handles are broken, as these are usually covered under airline liability.

📋 Travel Insurance Tips

• Baggage delay insurance covers essentials while you wait for your bag.

• Baggage loss insurance offers compensation if your luggage is never recovered.

• Read the fine print to understand what’s covered—and what isn’t.

🧭 Conclusion: Plan Ahead, Stay Calm, and Know Your Rights

While it’s impossible to guarantee your luggage will always arrive safely and on time, taking a few precautionary steps before your flight can significantly reduce the stress and financial burden if something goes wrong. From packing smarter to leveraging travel protections, a bit of planning goes a long way toward making your next journey smoother—luggage and all.

Read Full Report

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Taipei 101 offers authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

Check out their menu on their website: Taipei 101

Address: 121 E Chatham St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in Cary who might also want enjoy reading the Cary Spotlight?

Thank You, Trish!

Spread The Word

If you want to help Cary Spotlight even more, share Cary Spotlight with your friends and neighbors.

Options:
Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter (X) | Share via Email | Share on LinkedIn

Support Local Businesses

Do you know a Cary business or nonprofit whose story deserves to be shared with our Cary Spotlight readers in Cary, NC? Here is our offer: Be featured on our podcast and connect with our audience. Let’s share your story.

✅ No fancy equipment needed
✅ No video—just audio recorded on a phone call!
✅ Takes only 20 minutes

This is your chance to connect with the Cary community and share what makes your business unique—all for FREE.