A high-ranking government official says North Korea's preparation for a missile test has made little progress since ten days ago.

The official said Monday that identifying Pyongyang's intent behind the move is more important for now, and that Seoul seeks to dissuade the North from test-firing a missile above all.

He added North Korean media have recently hinted at Pyongyang's need for dialogue and negotiation.

Seoul has urged Pyongyang to cancel its planned test-fire, saying a cancellation would be in its best interest.

The official said the United States has rejected Seoul's request that its chief nuclear negotiator visit Pyongyang for bilateral talks, urging parties to the six-way nuclear talks to try harder to lead the North back to dialogue.