How to Say “I’ve Got Itchy Feet” in Korean? ✈️

Hello!

Do you frequently feel the urge to travel, move around, or experience somewhere new?

In Korean, you can jokingly describe this restless, wandering tendency as 역마살 (yeong-ma-ssal).

What Does 역마살 Mean?

역마살 is a term that comes from traditional Korean fortune-telling. It refers to a supposed fate associated with frequent movement, travel, relocation, or difficulty staying in one place.

Today, people often use it casually and humorously to talk about someone who loves traveling or regularly feels the urge to go somewhere new. It does not necessarily imply a serious belief in fortune-telling.

Here are two natural ways to use it.

1. Saying You Have Wanderlust 🧳

• Korean: 난 역마살이 좀 있어.
  Pronunciation: nan yeong-ma-ssa-ri jom i-sseo.
  Meaning: I have a bit of wanderlust. / I’ve got itchy feet.

역마살이 있다 describes a general tendency to travel, move around, or become restless after staying in one place for too long.

The word 좀 softens the statement and makes it sound more casual.

2. When Your Wanderlust Returns 🗺️

Korean: 역마살이 또 도졌나 봐.
Pronunciation: yeong-ma-ssa-ri tto do-jyeon-na bwa.
Meaning: I guess my wanderlust is acting up again. / I’ve got itchy feet again.

도지다 means that something has returned or flared up after being quiet for a while. In this expression, it playfully suggests that your urge to travel has come back.

💡 Quick Usage Tip

역마살이 있다 — to have a wandering or travel-loving nature

역마살이 도지다 — for one’s wanderlust to act up again

Because 역마살 is culturally specific, there is no single exact English translation. Depending on the context, it can be rendered as “wanderlust,” “itchy feet,” or “a wandering nature.”

🎯 Takeaway of the Day

• 난 역마살이 좀 있어.
  (nan yeong-ma-ssa-ri jom i-sseo.)
  I’ve got a bit of wanderlust.

• 역마살이 또 도졌나 봐.
  (yeong-ma-ssa-ri tto do-jyeon-na bwa.)
  I guess my wanderlust is acting up again.

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