Korea- where to go for a few days after visiting Seoul

Gyeongju is known for historic sites and the Bulguksa Temple. It is sometimes visited as a day trip from Busan. Busan is a larger city, but one popular with tourists.

Suwon is an easy day trip from Seoul - Hwaseong Fortress and Korean Folk Village are the main draws.

There is a lot to see in Seoul. I have easily spent 6 - 7 days on a couple occasions.

I agree with ORDtraveler! Both Gyeongju and Suwon are worth a visit (we love the folk village), but there is so much to see in Seoul itself. My brother and his family visited Busan in July but were underwhelmed (the best parts of the trip were the high-speed train and meeting friends there).

Jeju Island (Chejudo) is popular with both Koreans and tourists, but I haven't been there yet.

If you like hiking and temples, Seoraksan (Sorak Mountain area) is lovely, especially in spring and fall, but I haven't been for years and not sure how a tourist would get there (we went with family, who had a car).

Another thought - Hahoe village is outside of Andong, a larger city about 3 hours driving from Seoul. It is a traditional village (with modern amenities!!!) still home to a small population. It can be reached by bus from Andong, but the service is somewhat limited. There is no train, but if you had a car, it is is place you might consider as you indicated an interest in small villages. There is a lot of tourist infiltration including tour buses, but the upside is that this comes with restaurants, parking lot, shuttle to the village, etc. http://www.hahoe.or.kr/english/sub1.asp

Hey, I'm doing the same in October! Going to S.Korea for the first time before going back to Japan (was there this spring for the first time).

I'm doing Seoul and then Busan for a couple of days. I originally picked Busan because I was planning to take the ferry from there to Fukuoka but that doesn't seem it's going to work out since the fast ferry has been suspended and the slow one doesn't have any cabins left for the date I want. Now I'll probably just fly to Fukuoka from Busan.

I too am hoping to see the DMZ. Have you booked a tour yet? Unfortunately it doesn't look like the JSA is going to reopen anytime soon.

In 13 days this April, we spent: 7 days in Seoul; 1 in Andong, to see Hahoe village; 1 in Gyeongju; 2 in Busan; and 2 in Jeju. It took us awhile to warm up to Seoul but then we totally enjoyed it — so many sights and awesome food. The Hahoe village was interesting but, for us, not a must do (maybe because our home is in a living historic town?). Gyeongju was a favorite: The burial mounds are amazing and peak cherry blossom time was magical. We loved Busan and wish we had had more time there. We were underwhelmed with Jeju. Have not been to Suwon but photos look gorgeous. So many options…enjoy!

Siteseer,
The poster 'dcd' over on the Fodors forum has just posted a lengthy Trip Report about his very recent voyage across Korea.
Worth checking out for sure.
I am done. The end.