Busan Shark Sighting 2026: Where to Find Bukang at North Port

There's a star who's been making headlines recently at Busan's North Port.

It's none other than Bukangi, the shark, who appeared in the waterway of the North Port Waterfront Park.

Imagine a shark, about 3 meters (~10 feet) long, swimming in a city waterway in Busan!

My curiosity got the better of me, so I went to see it for myself during the Chuseok holidays.

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And the result? Success! 😎

I managed to spot it twice while waiting for about 20 minutes near the 5th Pedestrian Bridge.

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It's also conveniently close to Busan Station, making it a great stop before catching the KTX.

I'll share everything from where Bukangi is located, key spotting points, and my personal experience.

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📑 Bukangi's Guide

01. Who is Bukangi, the Busan North Port Shark?

02. Bukangi's Location & Spotting Points

03. My Personal Encounter Review

04. Tips for Visiting Before Your KTX Ride

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1. Who is Bukangi, the Busan North Port Shark?

In September 2026, an unexpected guest arrived at Busan North Port Waterfront Park.

It was none other than a large shark, about 3 meters (~10 feet) long.

It's believed to be either a sandbar shark or a blacktip reef shark,

but its exact species and gender haven't been confirmed yet.

This wild shark, without a name, was spotted day after day by locals,

and eventually, it earned itself a nickname.

📖 Story of the Place

Initially, several names circulated among citizens, like 'Sanggu,' 'Sangbao,' 'Bukhangi,' and 'Bukangi.' Among these, 'Bukangi,' meaning 'shark (상어, pronounced sangeo) of Bukhang (North Port),' became its official nickname, adopted by both the media and Busan City.

Now, a question naturally arises:

How did a shark make its way into a city waterway?

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At first glance, the North Port Waterfront Park might look like a river or an artificial canal,

but it's actually connected to the sea.

So, it's not an impossible feat for a shark to enter.

Why Bukangi has stayed here for so long hasn't been precisely determined.

Some analysts suggest it's because there's an abundance of fish in the waterway that serve as its prey,

while others propose it might be disoriented in the shallow waters and unable to find its way out.

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2. Bukangi's Location & Spotting Points

📌 Location

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Busan North Port Waterfront Park

164 Yi Sun-sin-daero, Dong-gu, Busan

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📌 How to Get There

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About a 10-minute walk from Busan Station Exit 9

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Around the waterway, there are 4th to 6th Pedestrian Bridges, and the area is divided into sections A to D.

During my visit, I was able to see Bukangi in the vicinity of the 5th Pedestrian Bridge.

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I waited not on the bridge itself, but along the edge of the waterway below the 5th Pedestrian Bridge.

While waiting for about 20 minutes, I saw it twice.

Bukangi is reportedly often spotted near the waterway's walls,

and experts suggest this is because there are more fish that serve as its prey along the edges.

🎧 How to Experience

I managed to spot it twice while waiting for about 20 minutes below the 5th Pedestrian Bridge during the Chuseok holidays. Since it's a wild animal, its location can change constantly, so it's a good idea to check its most recent sighting location before you visit.

▼ Check Bukangi's Most Recent Sighting Location ▼

Being able to check the most recently sighted area on a map is more helpful than just waiting aimlessly.

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3. My Personal Encounter Review

While I was waiting, suddenly I heard people shouting somewhere.

Everyone was looking in one direction, so

I looked in that direction too,

and there it was, Bo-kang, swimming right by!

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Seeing it in person

felt quite different from seeing it in photos.

To think a 3-meter shark

was swimming so close to Busan Station

was truly amazing to witness.

What was really interesting

was the collective effort of everyone looking for Bo-kang.

If someone spotted it first, a shout would go up,

and people nearby would look in that direction,

naturally sharing its location.

Those who had taken photos or videos

would even move aside for others

waiting behind them.

While seeing the shark itself was incredible,

the entire process of everyone waiting together

and searching for Bo-kang

was an experience in itself!

During the Chuseok holiday when I visited,

there were a lot of people gathered.

Police officers and safety personnel were stationed on-site,

and temporary fences were set up on the 5th pedestrian bridge

to restrict leaning on railings or running.

They recommended limiting your stay in the viewing area to within 30 minutes,

so make sure to follow the on-site guidance when you visit.

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4. Tips for Visiting Before Your KTX Trip

I visited to see Bo-kang

before catching my KTX during the Chuseok holiday.

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Since it's within walking distance from Busan Station,

it's a great spot to drop by

if you have a little time before your train departs.

From my experience,

if you have about an hour before your KTX departure,

you'll have enough time to see Bo-kang and even grab a coffee.

Nearby, you'll also find

the Ediya Coffee Busan North Port Waterfront Park branch.

If you have time after seeing Bo-kang,

it's perfect for a quick coffee before heading back to Busan Station.

However, just because I saw it in 20 minutes

doesn't mean you'll always be able to see it that quickly.

Bo-kang isn't an exhibit animal;

it's a wild animal.

If your KTX schedule is tight,

check its recent sighting location before you go.

According to the information I checked,

nighttime access was restricted from 6:30 PM.

Operating hours can change, so

if you plan to visit late,

it's a good idea to confirm on-site control measures.

💡 Heeheehohee's Travel Tip

When I visited, they recommended limiting your stay in the viewing area to within 30 minutes. Leaning on railings, running, or carrying children on shoulders are also restricted, so please follow the guidance of the on-site safety personnel.

And most importantly,

please do not throw food

or engage in any behavior that might provoke Bo-kang.

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Instead of going to dangerous spots to get a closer look,

it's best to observe safely from a distance.

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At first,

I went out of curiosity, wondering 'Is there really a shark right in the middle of Busan?'

But seeing it actually swimming in the waterway

was far more fascinating than I imagined.

Since Bo-kang is a wild animal whose movements are unpredictable,

make sure to check its recent sighting location before your visit

and observe while adhering to the on-site safety rules.

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📍 Explore Nearby the North Port Waterfront Park

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1. Lee Jae-mo Pizza Busan Station Branch: Waiting & Takeout Review