A 3.5‑meter shark called “Bukhangi” became trapped in an artificial waterway in Busan. More than 1.6 million people gathered at the canal to watch the shark, making the event a major news story for the city.

Authorities tried several times to move the shark back to sea. They used water jets and nets in the attempts, but the shark stayed in the canal for a while.

Environmental activists said the shark’s appearance was linked to warming seas caused by climate change. Busan Mayor Chun Jae‑soo said the shark’s fame gave the city publicity that would otherwise have cost “trillions”.

The shark’s fame shows how a single animal sighting can bring huge tourism and economic benefits to a city. It turned an unexpected wildlife event into a chance for Busan’s local economy to grow.