‘Bukangi’ Becomes a Nationwide Attraction in Just Five Days; Plan to Guide Shark into Open Sea After Chuseok Holiday Under Review
- Input
- 2026-09-22 19:47:59
- Updated
- 2026-09-22 19:47:59
[Financial News] A shark discovered in an artificial channel at Busan North Port Waterfront Park has remained there for five days. Busan city officials and relevant agencies said they would consider guiding it into the open sea after the Chuseok holiday.
Busan city officials and others said on the 22nd that Busan city government, Busan Port Authority (BPA), the Busan Coast Guard, NIFS and other relevant agencies held a meeting that afternoon at Busan North Port Waterfront Park to discuss the shark found there.
The agencies will first monitor whether the shark leaves the channel on its own during the Chuseok holiday, from the 24th through the 27th. If it remains there after the holiday, they plan to consider measures including guiding it into the open sea. On-site safety management will also be strengthened, given the possibility that large crowds may gather to see the shark during the holiday.
A shark measuring approximately 3.5 meters in length was discovered in the channel at Busan North Port Waterfront Park on the 18th. The Coast Guard and others attempted to drive it out of the channel, but the shark did not leave. Following NIFS recommendations, they decided to wait for it to move away naturally rather than force it out.
As the shark continued to stay in the channel, Busan North Port Waterfront Park emerged as a new tourist attraction. Citizens even gave the shark found at North Port the name ‘Bukangi.’
Visitor numbers have also surged. The waterfront park, which normally attracts an average of about 2,000 people a day, drew approximately 20,000 visitors over the two days of last weekend. About 10,000 people were also estimated to have visited the park on Monday the 21st to see the shark.
The sudden influx of visitors has also energized nearby businesses. Convenience stores, cafes and other establishments around the waterfront park are enjoying an unexpected boost in business as more people come to see the shark.
[email protected] Lee Jeong-hwa Reporter