South Korean analysts say North Korea may have launched the missile with the distance to the United States territory of Guam in mind.

The South Korean military said the missile was fired from around Mupyong-ri in the northern province of Jagang. Military officials also said the missile travelled about 4,500 kilometers and reached 17 times the speed of sound.

Guam is home to Andersen Air Force Base, a strategic US military hub in the Asia-Pacific region. Strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons are stationed there.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called a National Security Council meeting to discuss how to deal with the launch.

Yoon has harshly criticized North Korea. Yoon said, "Pyongyang's reckless nuclear provocations will face a resolute response from our military, as well as our allies and the international community."

North Korea fired a missile from around Mupyong-ri in January. Pyongyang announced at the time it had test-fired the Hwasong-12 type IRBM on a lofted trajectory.