North Korea has test-fired several short-range missiles off its west coast.
The South Korean defence ministry confirmed the launches, saying that two missiles were fired into the Yellow Sea.
It is understood they were ground-to-ship or ship-to-ship missiles with a range of some 100km. All landed in North Korean waters.
A North Korean spokesperson said the launches were part of 'routine missile tests' that are carried out each year.
Similar tests conducted in May were also downplayed and said to be part of regular military exercises.
Last year it test-fired seven missiles, including the long-range Taepodong-2 missile. Those launches prompted international condemnation and missile-related UN sanctions.
The tests come at a sensitive time as US and other negotiators continue efforts to resolve a banking row which is blocking the start to North Korea's promised nuclear disarmament.
Under the six-nation February pact, North Korea agreed to disable its nuclear programme in return for massive aid and diplomatic benefits.
But it has refused to make a start until it receives $25m which had been frozen since 2005 at the request of the US.
