South Korea's military says North Korea has fired a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff say North Korea launched the missile around noon on Wednesday from around Sunan, a suburb of Pyongyang.

They estimate it flew about 470 kilometers with a maximum altitude of about 780 kilometers.

North Korea previously launched ICBM-class ballistic missiles from Sunan in February and March. The US and South Korean militaries are conducting a detailed analysis.

North Korea has fired projectiles, including ballistic missiles, every month this year.

On April 25, Pyongyang held a military parade to mark the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army. The parade showcased various weapons, including the Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said at the time his country will accelerate steps at maximum speed to further boost its nuclear combat abilities.

The latest launch is seen as an attempt to send a signal to South Korea and the United States ahead of the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on May 10.

Yoon has indicated that South Korea's first conservative government in five years will stress the importance of the country's alliance with the US.

He is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden on May 21.

Analysts say Wednesday's missile launch was also meant to demonstrate North Korea's technological capabilities.

They say Pyongyang likely wanted to emphasize Kim's power following the 10th anniversary of his rise to the top of the Workers' Party of Korea, and to boost national prestige.