Shark 'Bukang-i' draws over 100,000 visitors to Busan waterfront park on first day of Chuseok holiday

More than 100,000 people flocked to North Port Waterfront Park in Dong-gu, Busan, on the first day of the Chuseok holiday to catch a glimpse of Bukang-i, a shark that has taken up residence in the park's artificial waterway and become a nationwide sensation.

According to the Busan Facilities Corporation, about 93,000 people had visited the waterfront park by 6 p.m. Thursday, the first day of the holiday. Including those who arrived after 6 p.m., the total reached an estimated 102,000. The city of Busan restricts access around the waterway from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily as a safety precaution.

The shark's popularity has driven visitor numbers to roughly 50 times their usual level, with a typical holiday drawing around 2,000 visitors. The park sits about 500 meters from Busan Station, and many visitors are believed to have been homebound travelers who stopped by after arriving in the city.

As crowds swelled in the afternoon, Busan city sent out a public safety alert warning of severe congestion in the area and urging visitors to avoid driving and use public transportation instead.

Bukang-i was first spotted in the waterway on Sept. 18 and has now been there for eight days. The 3.5-meter shark has drawn throngs of visitors eager for a close look, providing an unexpected windfall for nearby convenience stores, cafes and other businesses.

Large crowds are expected again Saturday, the second day of the holiday and Chuseok itself. Authorities, including the city of Busan, are waiting for the shark to leave the waterway on its own, but have said they will draw up a rescue plan if it remains after the holiday period ends.