Large Shark Trapped in Busan Waterfront Park Draws Massive Crowds
A 3.5-meter shark has become an unexpected tourist attraction in Busan, South Korea, after becoming trapped in a narrow canal for over a week.
A large shark, estimated to be 3.5 meters long, has been stranded in a narrow canal within a waterfront park in Busan, South Korea, since September 18, 2026. According to reports from The Guardian and Khaosod Online, the animal—nicknamed 'Bugang-i'—has drawn over 600,000 spectators to the site. Experts believe the creature, likely a bronze whaler shark, followed a school of fish into the canal and became disoriented.
Local authorities have faced significant challenges in relocating the shark. Initial rescue attempts by the coast guard were halted after scientists warned that forced removal could injure the animal or trigger aggressive behavior. Subsequent efforts to guide the shark back to open water using water-spraying boats have proven unsuccessful, as the shark repeatedly maneuvers back into the canal.
The National Institute of Fisheries Science reports that while the shark’s condition remains stable, its health may deteriorate due to limited movement and restricted access to food. This incident occurs amid a notable rise in shark sightings along South Korea's eastern coast, with 46 large sharks reported in the first half of this year—nearly four times the figure from the previous year. For travelers and residents, the area remains a site of high public interest, though the long-term plan for the shark's safe extraction remains unconfirmed.
