North Korea fires ballistic missile 700km over its east coast
North Korea fired a ballistic missile from Wonsan that travelled over 700km on Saturday, one of more than 10 tests this year.
North Korea launched a ballistic missile from Wonsan at 6.30am Saturday that travelled more than 700km over the sea, according to South Korean military officials. The test came a day after Pyongyang rejected Seoul's accusation that North Korean mines wounded two South Korean soldiers in the Demilitarised Zone.
Seoul and Washington are analysing the missile for details. Japan's coast guard warned ships to take precautions.
North Korea has conducted more than 10 missile tests in 2026, sometimes claiming they test new weapon systems. Analysts suggest the launch may be Pyongyang's response to Kim Yo -jong's statement dismissing Seoul's demand for an apology.
South Korea's military is raising monitoring of further tests and sharing intelligence with the US and Japan.
- Wonsan
- Missile launch location
- More than 700km
- Missile flight distance
- 6.30am Saturday
- Launch time
- More than 10
- Missile tests in 2026
Why it mattersNorth Korean missile tests signal escalating military tension on the peninsula and carry risks for international shipping and nearby countries.
AustraliaNo direct Australian effect yet, but the US and Japan are close allies Australia tracks closely, and any escalation in the region affects regional stability Australia depends on for trade.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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