Viral trapped shark in South Korea brings tourism, retail windfall to Busan
A marooned three-metre-long (nine feet) shark in South Korea has drawn more than a million visitors to the coastal city of Busan, boosting local retail sales and triggering a trademark war, as authorities rush to stop opportunistic vendors from cashing in on the viral phenomenon. The shark, nicknamed “Bukangi” in reference to the park where it has become trapped, has become an internet darling…
A three-meter-long shark named "Bukangi," trapped in Busan, South Korea, has become a viral sensation, attracting over one million visitors to the coastal city since mid-September. This surge in tourism has boosted local retail sales, with CU convenience stores reporting a 76.7% increase in sales compared to earlier in the month.
The shark, believed to be a dusky shark, has been dubbed an honorary ambassador by Busan authorities, who are taking steps to prevent opportunistic vendors from trademarking its name for private commercial gain. Despite the business opportunities, experts suggest that the limited lifespan of such a unique event may limit the long-term benefit for larger companies.
The National Institute of Fisheries Science continues to monitor the shark's movement and health, predicting that it will likely return to the ocean once water temperatures drop.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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