International
Shark Stranded in South Korean City Canal Draws 600,000 Visitors
A bronze whale shark sculpture named Bukang, measuring approximately 3.5 meters, has become a major tourist attraction in Busan, South Korea, after becoming stuck in a city canal on September 18. An estimated 607,000 people visited the North Port Waterfront Park to see the installation, significantly higher than normal attendance. Authorities attempted multiple times to move the object back to sea using water jets but abandoned efforts due to safety concerns and the risk of damage. The mayor praised the sculpture's beauty, while visitors expressed sadness at its impending removal. This incident coincides with a reported increase in real shark sightings in South Korean waters, attributed to warmer seas and increased food availability.
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