South Korea embraces a huge shark slowly circling a canal in the country’s biggest port city

A 3.5-meter shark became an unexpected star in Busan, South Korea, after becoming stranded in a canal for two weeks. The highly unusual situation drew an estimated 600,000 visitors to the city during this time. The shark, likely a bronze whaler, was first spotted on September 18 in North Port. Despite rescue efforts by the Coast Guard and other agencies, the shark was unable to be guided back to open waters.

Authorities are now planning to attempt to trap the shark using a net. Dubbed "Bukangi" by locals, the shark has become a beloved symbol of Busan and was even appointed as an honorary public relations ambassador for the city following a popular poll.