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A more than 3-metre-long shark has attracted crowds to a waterfront park in South Korea’s Busan after being spotted twice in the area.
The shark was first seen at about 8.57am on 18 September in a waterway near North Port Waterfront Park. Local authorities said it was spotted again at about 1.05pm the following day.
The Korea Coast Guard reportedly sent boats and a rescue team to try to guide the shark towards open water. The operation was later suspended after the National Institute of Fisheries Science warned that forcing it out could trigger defensive or aggressive behaviour.
According to The Korea Times, authorities believe the animal is a basking shark – a species found in the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, including waters around the Korean Peninsula. The species is generally not considered aggressive towards humans, but officials have warned people not to approach it.
The shark sighting has reportedly turned the waterfront into a tourist attraction. Residents and visitors have gathered with phones and cameras to try to catch a glimpse of the shark, local reports said.
Social media posts have described the area as “the hottest place in Busan right now”.
Busan mayor Jeon Jae Soo wrote in a social media post: “Many people must have been surprised. It is believed that the shark came to North Port in search of food, as warm-water fish have become more common in the area due to climate change.”
He added: “We will continue to develop North Port into a beautiful sea where diverse species can coexist,” he said. “I hope people will visit and enjoy North Port more often, as it will become part of Busan’s future as a maritime capital. We will take responsibility for safety.”
On Sunday, some social media posts claimed the shark was spotted in the waters. However, local media said that the claims couldn’t be verified.
Some videos circulating online have also been identified as AI-generated.
Meanwhile, authorities have increased safety measures and urged people not to approach the water or lean over barriers. The city has also sent text alerts asking residents to remain cautious.