The black shark known as “Bukang” has remained unobserved for six days following its departure from an artificial waterway in the Busan North Port hydrophilic park, according to related agencies on November 1, 2026. Authorities and researchers are monitoring the situation as the animal’s whereabouts remain unconfirmed in the wider harbor waters.
Disappearance from the Port Waters and Monitoring Shifts
Bukang first appeared in the artificial waterway of the North Port hydrophilic park on September 18, 2026, and spent 33 days inside the enclosed area before authorities used guiding operations to move it out on October 21. After leaving the waterway, the shark was spotted near Pier 1 and later appeared about 2 kilometers away near the international passenger terminal pier until disappearing on October 27, as reported by agencies.
No citizen reports have come in since the observation period ended. YTN reported that the shark's last officially confirmed location by the institute was near the international passenger terminal on October 26, though a citizen recorded a video of it near a nearby pier on October 27.
Falling sea temperatures explain shark movement away from shallow areas
Falling sea temperatures provide context for the shark’s movement away from shallow areas. When Bukang was first discovered on September 18, the surface water temperature in the North Port area stood at approximately 25 degrees Celsius, but dropped below 20 degrees Celsius for the first time on October 28, according to reports. Black sharks typically require water temperatures between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius, placing current readings near the lower limit of their proper habitat range.
JTBC noted that surface temperatures are expected to drop further to 15 degrees Celsius by mid-November. Experts suggest the cooling water may prompt the shark to seek out deeper, warmer waters where it undertakes longer, subsurface swims.
Did You Know? Visitor numbers at the Busan North Port hydrophilic park fluctuated dramatically based on the shark’s presence, reaching a peak of up to 100,000 visitors on holidays when Bukang was visible in the artificial waterway, but dropping to around 10,000 daily weekend visitors—mostly event participants—after the animal moved out.
Assessments on External Movement and Final Decisions
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Bukang has entirely exited Busan port into the open ocean.
While YTN noted that the shark showed coastal-following swimming habits as it headed north from the hydrophilic park, experts cited by JTBC suggest it could have reached Pier 7 or traveled beyond the port entirely.
Expert Insight: The transition from a confined artificial waterway to the open harbor environment marks a critical shift for the animal’s physical condition. Marine experts suggest that while shallow water confinement led to visible surface stressors and unobserved feeding, the expansive harbor and deeper outer waters offer better conditions for foraging, recovery, and natural thermal regulation as autumn temperatures drop.
Tracking Bukang sightings and water temperature limits in Busan
When was Bukang first and last seen in the monitored areas?
Bukang was first observed in the North Port hydrophilic park artificial waterway on September 18, 2026.
What water temperature is suitable for black sharks like Bukang?
The suitable habitat water temperature for black sharks ranges between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius. Surface water temperatures in Busan North Port dropped below 20 degrees Celsius by October 28.
When will authorities make a final determination regarding Bukang’s location?
What measures should local facilities take if marine wildlife enters confined urban waterways in the future?