Busan North Port Park: See Bukang-i the Shark (2026)
Head to Busan's North Port Waterfront Park to spot Bukang-i, the viral shark! Get insider tips on parking, top viewing spots, and safety for an unforgettable visit.

We ventured out to see 'Bukang-i' the shark, who first appeared on September 18th, 2026.
My child and I visited at 8 AM on September 24th, 2026!
Here are the most practical and essential tips for your visit,
short and sweet.
Parking Tips & Fees

The outdoor parking lot at Busan Port International Passenger Terminal is your best bet
(it's much more convenient than the North Port Waterfront Park's underground parking!)
First 10 minutes: Free
11-30 minutes: ~$1
After that, ~$0 per 10 minutes
Daily maximum: ~$7
Standard discounts apply (for compact cars, disabled drivers, eco-friendly vehicles, etc.).
When you enter the parking lot, the queue isn't usually long.
However, the payment queue to exit can be quite long, and it took us over 10 minutes to leave.
If you have other plans, make sure to allow plenty of time for your departure.

Tips for Viewing Bukang-i the Shark

According to online buzz, Bukang-i frequently swims between two specific lampposts often mentioned online (marked 'Su2' and 'Su3').
While many people gather there, if you have a little patience, you can spot Bukang-i elsewhere too. So, try to wait in a less crowded area.
Just make sure to wait between the two bridges that cross the waterway.

When people suddenly exclaim, "Oh!" and start buzzing, Bukang-i will likely pass right in front of you shortly after.
From my spot, I had a clear view of about 6-7 underwater pillars in front of me, which translates to roughly 16-20 feet of visibility.
The shark moves surprisingly fast, so you'll only get about 5 seconds to see it each time.
When it moves underwater, it appears as a blurry, fleeting shadow.
" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />It felt like Bukang-i passed by about once every 10 minutes.
We stayed for about 30-40 minutes and saw it 4-5 times.
The first couple of times, we unintentionally saw it between the 'Su2' and 'Su3' markers.
Later, to make it easier for my child, we moved closer to the restrooms and saw it two or three more times there.
There's no need to push your way into crowded areas.
Instead, I recommend waiting patiently behind the crowds, and as people leave after seeing Bukang-i, slowly move forward to get a spot near the fence.

For safety, fences are put up at the entrance from 6 PM until 6 AM the next day.
Given it's a wild shark, please follow these safety precautions.
Important Notes for Your Visit

Even at 8-9 AM, it was incredibly hot, enough to break a sweat!
Make sure to bring plenty of cool water, and a fan or handheld fan.
The sun shines directly, making it quite glaring. While umbrellas might seem like a good idea, they can obstruct others' views or accidentally poke someone, so it's essential to wear a sun visor or hat instead.
Sunscreen is also a must!

The crowd can grow rapidly, even extending onto the bridge.
Never push others, and parents, please keep a close eye on your children to ensure their safety.
As we moved around, we even saw wasps flying around.
Keep an eye on your surroundings to protect your children from stings.

It was a unique experience, perfect for a quick 30-minute visit before heading off.
Who knows when we'll get another chance to see a wild shark like this?
If you're planning to visit with children, please prepare thoroughly for safety and the heat!
📍 Busan North Port Waterfront Park
164, Yi Sun-sin-daero, Dong-gu, Busan, South Korea
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recommended parking lots and fees for viewing 'Bukang-i' at Busan North Port Waterfront Park?
The outdoor parking lot at Busan Port International Passenger Terminal is recommended as it offers more convenient access than the underground parking lot at Busan North Port Waterfront Park. Parking fees are free for the first 10 minutes, then ~$1 for 11-30 minutes, followed by ~$0 for every additional 10 minutes, with a daily maximum of ~$7.
What are the best tips for viewing the shark 'Bukang-i' at Busan North Port Waterfront Park, and how often can it be seen?
'Bukang-i' usually appears between two streetlights (numbers 2 and 3) or between two bridges crossing the waterway. It can be seen for about 5 seconds approximately once every 10 minutes. We recommend waiting in a less crowded area and then moving closer to the fence when there's an opening to view it.
What are the access restriction times and recommended items to prepare for heat when viewing 'Bukang-i' at Busan North Port Waterfront Park?
For safety, access is restricted from 6 PM until 6 AM the next day, as fences are put up at the entrance. It can be hot even in the morning, so it's advisable to bring cool water, a fan or a handheld portable fan, and wear a sun visor or hat instead of carrying an umbrella.
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