Bukangi, Busan's Lost Shark: Where to See It + Aquarium Backup

In autumn 2026, the most talked-about thing in Busan wasn’t a celebrity or a dish — it was a lost shark. After swimming into the city waterway at Bukhang Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, it got stuck, earned the nickname “Bukangi” (from Bukhang, North Port) from Busan Facilities Corporation, and drew up to 100,000 people a day to watch it for free — spawning a browser game and a wave of shark-themed marketing. Here’s what Bukangi is, where and how to see it, what to watch out for, and a guaranteed shark backup.

⚡ Quick answer: The shark all of Korea is talking about is right here in Busan — free, in the city, near Busan Station, a ~3.5m wild shark nicknamed “Bukangi.” But it’s wild and could swim off any day now, so see it while you can. Check local news first; if you miss it, see sharks for sure at SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium.

What is Bukangi and why it went viral

Bukangi was an ordinary offshore shark until, in autumn 2026, it swam into the waterway at Bukhang Waterfront Park and couldn’t easily get back out. The National Institute of Fisheries Science estimates it at around 3.5m.

The appeal is simple: a real, large, live shark, in the city, for free. The park turned into a “free aquarium” overnight, pulling roughly 100,000 people on the first holiday day, and Korean social media hasn’t stopped talking about it. The buzz set off shark-themed marketing from coffee chains, local businesses, and even the city aquarium, plus a browser game called “Bukangi’s way home.”

The catch: a chance to see a big wild shark in the middle of a city is a this-few-weeks-only thing — it can swim off or be guided back out to sea at any time. If you happen to be in Busan right now, it’s the most talked-about (and free) photo stop going.

Getting to Bukhang Waterfront Park

• Where: Bukhang (North Port) area, Dong-gu, near Busan Station and the Busan Port International Passenger Terminal.
• Getting there: A 5–10 minute taxi from Busan Station is fastest, or take a local bus; Subway Line 1 to Busan Station then transfer.
• Cost & hours: Free, no fixed hours. Crowds peak during the day and on holidays.

Good to know

• You might not see it: Bukangi is a wild, lost shark that may swim off or be guided back out, and it isn’t always at the same spot. Check local news before you go.
• Safety first: Watch from the bank — don’t climb railings, approach the water’s edge, or try to touch or feed it. Mind children in crowds and follow staff instructions.
• Respect the animal: This is a trapped wild animal — no flash photography, and don’t throw anything to provoke it.

Can’t see Bukangi? Guaranteed sharks at the aquarium

If you miss it, or want sharks indoors regardless of weather, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium (Haeundae) has several shark species and a feeding show daily at 2pm — the most reliable backup, and great for families and rainy days.

Further reading

For a rainy day, see indoor activities in Busan; for more sea and night views, the complete Busan night view guide; first time here? Read the first-timer’s Busan guide.

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Bukangi is a wild animal and a natural occurrence — whether it can be seen depends on current conditions; follow official and live news updates.