Seoul , South Korea ( CNN ) North Korea has fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan , a South Korean Defense Ministry official said . The missiles were fired from North Korea 's west coast into the sea , which is also known as the East Sea , around 6:30 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. Monday ( 4:30 p.m. and 4:40 p.m . ET Sunday ) , the official said . They were fired from an area near Nampo City , located about 60 kilometers ( 37 miles ) southwest of Pyongyang . The two projectiles were estimated to have flown about 490 kilometers ( 304 miles ) before falling into the sea east of the peninsula , according to the South Korean official , who asked to remain anonymous citing government policy . Considering the speed , altitude and distance the missiles traveled , they are assumed to be Scud-Cs , according to the South Korean Defense Ministry . The missiles were fired as the United States and South Korea began annual military drills , which United States Forces Korea describes as `` nonprovocative training '' that are `` an important component of readiness '' for defending South Korea . The annual joint military exercises , called Foal Eagle and Key Reserve , have long sparked tension between North Korea , South Korea and the United States . North Korea 's state-run KCNA slammed the joint military exercises Monday , saying that the drills are `` nothing but a smokescreen '' by the United States and South Korea `` to cover up their surprise invasion of the north . '' `` The situation on the Korean peninsula is again inching close to the brink of a war , '' KCNA said , noting that North Korea 's military `` will never remain a passive onlooker in this grave situation . '' North Korea was informed on February 24 when the joint drills would be held , said Kim Min-seok , the South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman . `` North Korea in the past did fire ( projectiles ) in a very similar manner , '' he said during a briefing Monday . `` On several occasions , they fired ( projectiles ) from the west coast to sea off east of the Korean Peninsula . '' He added that North Korea fired about 90 ballistic missiles and rockets during last year 's Foal Eagle and Key Resolve drill . `` Our military is strictly warning North Korean military of the reckless and the provocative act . We will firmly and strongly respond to any North Korea 's provocation through solid united defense posture , '' South Korea 's Kim said . CNN 's Paula Hancocks and Sara Mazloumsaki contributed to this report .
North Korea has launched two missiles into the sea , believed to be Scud - 1 . The launch comes as the United nations and South nations begin joint military drills . The annual strikes have long heightened tensions .