On the first day of the Chuseok holiday (September 24), over 100,000 visitors flocked to North Port Park in Busan. They came to see a shark known as 'Bukan-i' that had entered the park's artificial waterway.
According to the Busan Facilities Corporation on September 25, the number of visitors to the park was approximately 93,000 by 6 p.m. the previous day. Considering visitors after 6 p.m., the total is estimated to have reached 102,000.
The surge in visitors is attributed to citizens eager to see Bukan-i, which has become a local attraction, as well as returning travelers arriving at Busan Station, located about 500 meters from the park. It is expected that many will continue to visit the park on Chuseok day.
At one point on the previous day, the park experienced heavy congestion, prompting the city of Busan to send out a message advising visitors to avoid using cars and to utilize public transportation instead.
Bukan-i, discovered in the park's waterway on September 18, is a 3.5-meter-long bull shark, which is not considered highly dangerous. Initially, the coast guard attempted to drive the shark out of the waterway but was unsuccessful. Following recommendations from the National Fisheries Research Institute, they decided to wait for the shark to exit on its own.
However, as Bukan-i's stay in the waterway has extended, local authorities, including the city of Busan, are preparing additional measures. They are considering options to guide the shark to the open sea after the holiday period.
According to the Busan Facilities Corporation on September 25, the number of visitors to the park was approximately 93,000 by 6 p.m. the previous day. Considering visitors after 6 p.m., the total is estimated to have reached 102,000.
The surge in visitors is attributed to citizens eager to see Bukan-i, which has become a local attraction, as well as returning travelers arriving at Busan Station, located about 500 meters from the park. It is expected that many will continue to visit the park on Chuseok day.
At one point on the previous day, the park experienced heavy congestion, prompting the city of Busan to send out a message advising visitors to avoid using cars and to utilize public transportation instead.
Bukan-i, discovered in the park's waterway on September 18, is a 3.5-meter-long bull shark, which is not considered highly dangerous. Initially, the coast guard attempted to drive the shark out of the waterway but was unsuccessful. Following recommendations from the National Fisheries Research Institute, they decided to wait for the shark to exit on its own.
However, as Bukan-i's stay in the waterway has extended, local authorities, including the city of Busan, are preparing additional measures. They are considering options to guide the shark to the open sea after the holiday period.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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