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3.5-metre shark trapped in Busan canal draws 600,000 visitors
A 3.5-metre bronze whaler shark trapped in a Busan canal since September 18 drew approximately 600,000 visitors and was named an honorary city ambassador. An initial rescue attempt on September 29 using water jets and boats failed; authorities plan a second operation on October 2 using a custom-made 50-metre net.
Quick Facts
- 3.5-metre bronze whaler shark became stranded in narrow artificial waterway
- First rescue attempt deployed five vessels and water pumps on September 29
- Shark evaded boats and returned deeper into canal
- City officials named shark 'Honorary Promotional Ambassador'
- Second rescue operation planned using 50-metre custom-made net

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A 3.5-metre bronze whaler shark, named Bukangi after Busan's North Port (Buk Hang), became an unexpected focal point of public attention after becoming stranded in a narrow artificial waterway at North Port Waterfront Park on September 18, 2026. The shark, believed to have entered the canal while pursuing prey from the open sea, has been unable to navigate back to deeper water. The presence of the trapped animal drew approximately 600,000 visitors to the park between September 19 and September 28, a dramatic increase from the usual daily average of around 2,000 visitors during holidays. During the four-day Chuseok holiday break (Korean Thanksgiving), the park recorded nearly 483,000 visits.
Authorities launched the first rescue attempt on September 29, deploying five coastguard vessels and water pumps to spray jets of water behind the shark in an effort to guide it toward the canal's mouth. The strategy was modelled on a 2004 rescue of a great white shark off Massachusetts. The operation failed when the shark evaded the boats and returned deeper into the canal. Officials suspended the effort after observing the shark's behaviour, noting that it repeatedly swam past or dove to avoid the vessels. The National Institute of Fisheries Science confirmed the shark's activity and respiration remained stable, but cautioned that extended confinement could gradually weaken its stamina and restrict its ability to feed and move.
Busan authorities announced plans for a second rescue operation scheduled for October 2, using a 50-metre custom-made net designed to fit the width and depth of the artificial waterway. The net would be stretched across the waterway by boat to channel the shark toward the exit, with additional water jets sprayed from behind to drive the animal in that direction. Officials stated that releasing the shark to open sea was crucial for its safety and long-term health.
The trapped shark became a cultural phenomenon in Busan. The city's mayor, Chun Jae-soo, expressed admiration for the animal, noting its appeal to visitors. On September 29, Busan's official Instagram account named Bukangi an "Honorary Promotional Ambassador" (also referred to as "Shafluencer"), with 91 per cent of respondents to a city poll supporting the designation. The post garnered over 1.05 million views and more than 10,000 likes. Busan's official mascot, Boogi, was designated to accept the honorary certificate on the shark's behalf. Local residents and tourists expressed emotional attachment to the animal, with some visiting the park to say goodbye before its planned release.
Why This Matters
A large shark stranded in a populated urban waterway creates immediate operational challenges for rescue coordination, potential public safety considerations given visitor volume of 600,000 in ten days, and measurable animal welfare stakes: the confined space limits the shark's ability to feed and move, with extended confinement risking stamina decline. The second rescue operation on October 2 using a custom net represents a concrete next action with success uncertain based on the failed water-jet approach on September 29.
Timeline & Sources
Sep 18, 2026
Wire3.5-metre bronze whaler shark first spotted in narrow artificial waterway at North Port Waterfront Park, Busan
Sep 18, 2026
WireCoastguard attempted initial removal but suspended after six hours on advice of scientists
Oct 2, 2026
WireSecond rescue attempt planned using custom-made 50-metre net
Oct 2, 2026
WireSecond rescue operation planned using 50-metre custom-made net
Sources
- South Korea embraces a huge shark slowly circling a canal in the country’s biggest port cityAP NewsWireSep 30, 2026
- Large shark stuck in South Korean city canal draws 600,000 visitorsThe GuardianMediaSep 29, 2026
- Busan to launch rescue operation for canal-trapped shark 'Bukang-i'kyodoMediaSep 29, 2026
- Large Shark Trapped in City Canal Attracts More Than 600,000 VisitorsPeople.comMediaSep 29, 2026
- Busan authorities fail to guide shark to open seaYahooMediaSep 30, 2026
- 鲨鱼困釜山水道引60万人围观zaobaoMediaSep 30, 2026