South Korea: Lost shark draws over half a million visitors

A shark stranded in a canal in the northern port city of Busan has become South Korea 's latest celebrity, tourist magnet and ambassador, as authorities' attempts to guide it back out to sea have so far faltered.

The shark was first spotted in a narrow waterway in Busan's North Port on September 18.

Reports on its possible species vary but seem to suggest it's a type of requiem shark, possibly a bull shark or a bronze whaler.

It's a fairly large shark, appearing to be roughly 3.5 meters (around 11 feet, 6 inches) long.

It's been nicknamed "Bukangi," derived from the Korean name for the North Port in Busan, Buk Hang.

Busan city authorities say roughly 600,000 people have flocked to see the creature over the past two weeks.

During the four-day Chuseok bank holiday weekend, Busan city authorities said that almost half a million people visited the waterfront park where the shark was stranded, compared to an average of around 2,000 visitors on weekends.

City Mayor Chun Jae-soo thanked the involuntary visitor for publicity that would otherwise have cost "trillions."