Shark sightings in Busan North Port

Large sharks, believed to be sand tiger sharks or potentially blunthead catsharks, have been spotted in the artificial waterways of Busan North Port Waterfront Park in South Korea. Experts from the National Institute of Fisheries Science suggest that rising sea temperatures are driving warm-water fish species north, bringing these predators into urban waterways in pursuit of prey.

Authorities, including the Korea Coast Guard, initially attempted to guide the sharks back to the open sea but suspended active removal efforts to avoid increasing the animals' hostility. Officials are instead monitoring the situation to allow the sharks to exit the waterway naturally. One specific shark, estimated to be between 3 and 4 meters long, has remained in the canal for several days.

The sightings have had a significant impact on the local area. Despite safety warnings and disaster alerts issued by Busan Metropolitan City, the presence of the sharks has drawn massive crowds, with approximately 30,000 visitors arriving over a three-day period. This influx has created a local tourism effect, resulting in increased sales for nearby businesses and full parking lots. Due to the crowds, park management has switched to emergency duty to maintain order and safety. Speculation has also grown online regarding the sighting of a smaller, 1-meter-long fish, leading to rumors of a birth, though experts maintain the sharks likely entered the area following prey.