Seoul "strongly" condemned Pyongyang's latest launch of intermediate-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, warning that the North will face toughened sanctions and more pressure from the world going forward.

"The North's missile launches are not only a clear violation of the U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban any launches using ballistic missile technology, but also a grave threat to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the international community," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"The government strongly condemns it and sternly warns that the North will face greatly toughened sanctions and pressure from us and the international community," it added.

Earlier in the day, the North fired off what appeared to be two Musudan IRBMs from its east coast in what amount to the fifth and sixth tests of the missile believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam.

The South Korean military said that, of the two missiles launched, the first is presumed to have ended in failure. The second missile flew about 400 kilometers, which is regarded as a marked improvement from previous botched attempts.

The communist country first tested the missile in April, with all previous launches ending in failure.

The latest tests came after Pyongyang made several offers for talks.

"The North's continued nuclear and missile provocations, including the latest launch of intermediate ballistic missiles, clearly show how deceitful and hypocritical its past proposals for talks have been," the ministry said.

"The North should stop additional provocations immediately and put an end to its nuclear and missile programs which are the main reason for heightened tension in the region."

The ministry emphasized that the Seoul government and its military are "fully" prepared and ready to "strongly" retaliate against any provocations that threaten the safety of the people. (Yonhap)