# Shark sighting and rescue in Busan North Port

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/shark-sighting-in-busan-north-port
> Updated: 2026-10-02T01:31:57.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 6.

Since its discovery on September 18, a 3.5-meter shark nicknamed ‘Bukang-i’ has become a major tourist attraction in Busan’s North Port Waterfront Park. Experts believe the animal is likely a bronze whaler. The shark’s presence has drawn an estimated 600,000 visitors, providing a significant economic boost to local businesses.

Following an unsuccessful initial rescue attempt on September 29, where the shark evaded water jets used by the Korea Coast Guard and the National Institute of Fisheries Science, authorities are preparing a secondary phase. This next stage involves a joint rescue team using a 50-meter large-scale net and water pumps to guide the shark through the park's waterways and out to sea.

In response to the shark’s popularity, Busan city officials have named ‘Bukang-i’ an honorary public relations ambassador, a move supported by a public poll showing 91 percent approval. To protect this newfound celebrity status, Busan Metropolitan City plans to file for a trademark in October. This action aims to prevent private individuals from monopolizing the name for commercial products, such as apparel and plush toys, and to ensure the name remains a public brand asset for the community.

While the shark remains a local celebrity, experts have noted that the increasing frequency of large shark sightings in South Korean waters may be linked to rising sea temperatures caused by climate change. Additionally, the National Institute of Fisheries Science has warned that prolonged confinement in the shallow, narrow canal could eventually deplete the shark’s strength.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Busan seeks trademark for popular shark ‘Bukangi’

Busan is seeking trademark rights for ‘Bukangi’, a popular shark in North Port, to prevent private monopoly while authorities attempt a second rescue operation to return the animal to the sea.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busan-seeks-trademark-for-popular-shark-bukangi

### 2026-09-29: Busan shark Bukangi draws 600,000 visitors to North Port canal

A 3.5-meter shark nicknamed ‘Bukangi’ has drawn 600,000 visitors to a canal in Busan, South Korea, becoming a local celebrity and honorary city ambassador as officials work to return it to the sea.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busan-authorities-attempt-to-rescue-shark-from-artificial-waterway

### 2026-09-27: Busan shark ‘Bukang-i’ rescue operation begins in North Port

Authorities in Busan have begun a rescue operation to return a 3.5-meter shark, nicknamed ‘Bukang-i’, to the sea after it drew over 600,000 visitors to the city's North Port waterfront park.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busan-shark-bukang-i-draws-hundreds-of-thousands-of-visitors

### 2026-09-25: Busan's Bukhang Park sees 100,000 visitors to see shark

Over 100,000 people flocked to Busan's Bukhang Waterfront Park during the Chuseok holiday to see a shark nicknamed ‘Bukangi’ residing in the park's artificial waterway.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/busans-bukhang-park-sees-100000-visitors-to-see-shark

### 2026-09-23: Busan shark attracts 100,000 visitors to North Port Waterfront Park

A 3.5-meter shark nicknamed ‘Bukangi’ has drawn over 100,000 visitors to Busan's North Port Waterfront Park, causing massive crowds and safety concerns during the Chuseok holiday.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shark-sighting-at-busan-north-port-draws-massive-crowds

### 2026-09-20: Basking shark sighting draws crowds in Nova Scotia

A massive 30-foot basking shark attracted crowds to Halifax's Bedford Basin in Nova Scotia after being spotted swimming near the surface and among boats.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/basking-shark-spotted-in-halifax-harbour

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Cite as: Shark sighting and rescue in Busan North Port. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/shark-sighting-in-busan-north-port