Wayward shark puts spotlight on Busan

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 1, 2026

A large bull shark named Bukhangi has remained in a canal in Busan, South Korea, drawing thousands of visitors since it was first spotted on September 18 despite authorities’ efforts to guide it back to the open sea. The shark’s unusual presence, linked to warming coastal waters, has boosted local tourism and economy, leading officials to plan another rescue attempt to ensure its safety.

A large bull shark, affectionately dubbed “Bukhangi” after Busan’s North Port, has become an unexpected attraction in South Korea’s southeastern port city. The approximately 3.5-meter-long shark was first spotted in an artificial waterway on September 18 and has since drawn thousands of visitors and significant media attention.

Local authorities, including the coast guard, have made multiple attempts to guide the shark back to open sea by spraying water near it. Despite these efforts, Bukhangi has remained in the canal, often swimming away or diving to avoid the boats. Officials plan another attempt to free the shark, using a specially designed net to funnel it toward the waterway’s exit while boats provide gentle encouragement from behind.

Experts have noted that bull sharks are not typically found in South Korean waters, which are usually cooler than their preferred subtropical and tropical habitats. Kim Jin-koo, a fisheries professor at Pukyong National University, attributed Bukhangi’s presence to rising water temperatures near the Korean coast. Although no signs of health deterioration have been observed, officials emphasize the importance of returning the shark to the open sea for its safety and long-term well-being.

The shark’s appearance has had an unexpected positive impact on the local economy and community. Sales of shark-shaped ice cream bars at nearby convenience stores reportedly increased by nearly 30%. Busan Mayor Chun Jae-soo expressed gratitude for the publicity Bukhangi has brought, estimating that the exposure would have cost the city “trillions” if generated through traditional means. In recognition of the shark’s popularity, Bukhangi was voted an honorary public relations ambassador for Busan, receiving 91% of the vote.

The phenomenon has extended beyond tourism and local commerce. Shares in The Pinkfong Company, the studio behind the viral “Baby Shark” song, experienced a brief surge of more than 7% following Bukhangi’s rise to fame. On social media, the shark sparked rumors after authorities mentioned a second fish had been spotted nearby, prompting speculation about a possible offspring accompanied by AI-generated images; however, officials from the park policy division clarified that no other sharks have been confirmed in the area.

Bukhangi joins a list of unexpected animal celebrities in South Korea, such as Neukgu, a young wolf that escaped from a zoo in Busan earlier this year before being recaptured after nine days. Authorities continue to monitor the shark’s condition as they prepare for another rescue attempt, hoping to safely return the animal to its natural habitat.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.