[Anchor]
Busan North Port Waterfront Park, where a shark was recently spotted, is emerging as a new tourist hotspot. Over the past weekend, more than 20,000 people flocked to catch a glimpse of the shark, causing quite a commotion around the North Port area.
KNN reporter Cho Jin-wook visited the scene that has established itself as the new attraction of Busan North Port.
[Reporter]
The North Port shark leisurely disappears, showing off its sleek fin.
It circles the same spot, almost as if putting on a fan service.
[Cho Seong-geun / Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province: The shark is much bigger than I expected, and it swims back and forth right near the people as if putting on some kind of show.]
With news spreading that a live shark can be seen here in the park rather than in an aquarium, Busan is enjoying an unexpected shark boom.
It is gaining nationwide popularity, with over 20,000 visitors during the weekend alone.
The North Port shark is also a famous star on social media.
It has become a trend for people to create various characters and give them names.
A flurry of stories is pouring out, ranging from a Busan Dome Arena modeled after the shark to shark-shaped bread.
[Song Seunghun / Creator of 'Bukangi' (North Port Shark) Character: I made a video of 'Bukangi' dancing. I think it would be great if Busan becomes a hot topic once again and generates tourism demand.]
The local government is all smiles at the appearance of the filial shark.
Seizing the momentum, they plan to turn it into a representative district character, much like Boogie.
They are also preparing a tourism contest so that the shark will be remembered even after it leaves.
In particular, since Busan coastal waters are known as the hometown of Baby Shark—which is familiar to children—the continuity of the story is strong.
[Kang Cheol-ho / Head of Busan Dong-gu Office: The small connection with a single shark has made the North Port in Busan Dong-gu known nationwide. Through a contest for the shark's name and character, we hope to leave good memories and experiences with the citizens...]
Meanwhile, rumors of baby shark sightings are circulating, but the National Institute of Fisheries Science stated that the possibility of giving birth is slim.
(Camera footage: Jeon Jae-hyun / KNN, Video courtesy of viewer Jeong Woo-seok)
Cho Jin-wook, KNN
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