Trapped Shark in Busan Canal Becomes South Korea's Unlikely Tourist Star
A 3.5-meter bronze whaler shark trapped in a Busan canal has drawn over 600,000 visitors, prompting authorities to name the marine animal an honorary city influencer while rescue efforts continue.
A massive 3.5-meter bronze whaler shark has become an unexpected tourist sensation in South Korea, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to a narrow urban drainage canal in the southern port city of Busan.
According to reports, since the shark first appeared in the canal waters on September 18, over 600,000 visitors have flocked to the area's waterfront park. This marks a meteoric surge for a site that typically attracts around 2,000 visitors a day. Affectionately dubbed "Bukang-i" by locals—a play on the port where it was trapped—the shark has quickly become the country's biggest celebrity.
Rescue Efforts and Water Jets
Coast guard officials initially attempted to herd the predator back to the open sea on its first day, but the operation was halted after just six hours following warnings from marine scientists and experts that excessive pressure could harm the animal or trigger aggressive behavior.
Efforts resumed as coast guard boats navigated the narrow canal, spraying high-pressure water jets behind the shark to gently guide it toward the exit. Despite these measures, the shark repeatedly evaded the vessels and swam back into the depths of the canal. The National Institute of Fisheries Science reported that the animal's condition remains stable, though prolonged confinement threatens its ability to feed and move.
"He has true star quality. He surfaces every five to ten minutes, he is simply charming," said Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo.
From Internet Star to Official Influencer
Public affection for the marine visitor continues to grow. Following an Instagram poll where 91% of respondents supported honoring the animal, municipal authorities officially named "Bukang-i" an honorary promotional ambassador, introducing the portmanteau title "Shafluencer" (a combination of shark and influencer).
While authorities prepare to renew efforts to guide the shark back to the open ocean, citizens have begun visiting to bid farewell. Marine researchers note that while shark sightings in the region are not entirely new, occurrences have surged sharply, with the fisheries institute recording 46 large sharks off the eastern coast in the first half of the year—nearly four times the figure from the same period last year, a trend attributed to rising sea temperatures.
