"For 'Bukangi', Busan Marathon Changes Waterfront Park Course Due to Crowd Concerns"

One Day Before Bukangi's Guidance Operation to the Open Sea
Marathon to Proceed on Revised Course Even If Successful

The marathon course that was scheduled to run through the Bukhang Waterfront Park area in Busan had to be changed due to the large crowds gathering to see the shark 'Bukangi', which has been staying at the park for an extended period.

Bukangi was moving by sticking to the wall to avoid rescue operations on the 29th of last month. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 30th, the organizers of 'Harry Potter Run 2026' notified marathon participants via text message, stating, "Due to the recent surge in crowds visiting to see 'Bukangi (the shark)' around the event venue, we have unavoidably decided to change the starting location and course in accordance with participant safety and relevant departmental guidelines."

The organizers also added, "We kindly ask for your understanding for Bukangi, who will become a representative mascot of Busan," and announced that as compensation, participants will receive priority for purchasing entries to next year's marathon.

'Harry Potter Run 2026' is the first marathon of its kind in Asia, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of the Harry Potter movies. The event is scheduled to have two sessions, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on October 3, with around 6,000 participants expected. Various booth experiences and stage programs will also take place.

The marathon was originally planned as a 5-kilometer course around Bukhang Waterfront Park, but due to the crowds drawn by 'Bukangi', the starting point was changed to Busan Port Pier 1, located 500 meters from the original location. It is also reported that the previously planned 5-kilometer course was reduced in scope.

With the external sea guidance operation for Bukangi pending, the organizers stated that the marathon will still proceed on the revised course, even if Bukangi safely leaves the waterfront park.

Text message received by participants of the Busan Marathon 'Harry Potter Run' from the organizers. Instagram capture.

The organizers commented, "There are concerns expressed by relevant authorities that even after a successful guidance operation, there is a possibility of Bukangi reentering, so large crowds are still anticipated on the day of the event," adding, "We ask for your generous understanding regarding the inconvenience caused by the last-minute changes to the starting location and course, which may affect your travel plans and preparations."

On September 29, related authorities such as Busan City, the National Institute of Fisheries Science, the maritime police, and the port fire station attempted to guide Bukangi to the open sea by spraying jets of water, but the shark evaded the streams and the operation was unsuccessful.

Following the failure of the first attempt to guide Bukangi to the sea, the authorities plan to use a large, specially made barrier net provided by the National Institute of Fisheries Science for another guidance operation on October 2.

Meanwhile, according to Busan Facilities Corporation, the number of visitors reached 17,000 from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. on this day. From September 18, when Bukangi was first discovered in the artificial water channel, up to September 29, accumulated visitors totaled 699,000. On average, the Bukhang Waterfront Park attracts around 2,000 visitors per day under normal circumstances.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.