Giant Shark Swims Into Busan Canal As Thousands Flock To See It

X user JyeKorean filmed a large shark swimming through shallow green water beside stepping stones at Bukhang waterfront park on September 21.

The shark turned, slapped the surface and dived, leaving ripples behind. Across the canal, a park walkway was packed with people, while a white cable-stayed bridge and city buildings stood in the background.

The shark had entered the artificial canal on September 18. Coast Guard crews tried to push it out, including with a shark deterrent, but stood down after the National Institute of Fisheries Science warned that forcing it could make the animal more aggressive.

About 8,800 people visited Saturday and around 10,000 came Sunday, four to five times the normal weekend numbers.

Experts said the animal appeared to be a whale shark or another large warm-water species that may have followed prey into the canal.