SEOUL: North Korea fired multiple rocket launchers on Sunday, Seoul said, the latest in a series of provocations by the nuclear-armed nation to heighten tensions in the region.

Pyongyang launched a string of banned weaponry this year and tested what it claimed were components of a `reconnaissance satellite` although Seoul and Washington have described them as a new ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) system.

`There were shots suspected to be from North Korea`s multiple rocket launchers this morning,` said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a text message to reporters.

`Our military is maintaining our defence readiness while closely following related developments,` it added, without further detail.

Four shots were fired into the western waters during a span of an hour from 7:20 am from an unspecified location in South Pyongan province, Yonhap news agency reported citing unnamed officials.

The intention of the firing was being evaluated, the report added.

South Korea`s National Security Council held an emergency meeting and called for a tight readiness posture to `prevent security vacuum during the government transition period`, according to a statement from the presidential Blue House. President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol will be inaugurated on May 10 after winning the March 9 polls.

Pyongyang has long possessed the ability to devastate Seoul which is only around 60km from the border with artillery fire.-AFP