An 11.5-foot shark stranded in a canal in Busan, South Korea, has become an unlikely tourist attraction, drawing around 600,000 visitors and earning the title of honorary city ambassador.
The shark, nicknamed Bukangi, was first spotted in Busan’s North Port on September 18. Since then, huge crowds have gathered along the waterfront hoping to catch a glimpse of it.
Bukangi is believed to be a bronze whaler shark. Its nickname comes from “Buk Hang,” the Korean name for North Port.
The shark’s sudden popularity led Busan officials to hold a public poll on whether it should become an honorary ambassador. Around 91% of roughly 8,000 participants supported the idea, and Bukangi officially received the title on September 29.
During the four-day Chuseok holiday alone, approximately 480,000 people visited the area, contributing to an estimated 600,000 visitors over two weeks.
Despite becoming a local celebrity, Bukangi remains trapped in the canal. Coast guard crews have tried guiding the shark toward the open ocean using boats and water sprays, but it repeatedly returned to the waterway.
Officials are now planning another rescue attempt using large nets to help direct Bukangi toward the ocean.