The government has confirmed that North Korea test-fired five missiles, not three as earlier reported.

A government official says one of the five was a long-range intercontinental ballistic Daepodong Two missile and the other four are believed to be Scud or Rodong missiles. The long-range missile fired from a missile base in Hwadae county, North Hamgyung Province, however, apparently failed as it landed in the East Sea.

The government believes that North Korea's latest move is to show off its nuclear capabilities after Washington refused the North's offer for bilateral talks to discuss U.S. financial sanctions on the communist state.

The missile launch is also seen to bolster domestic solidarity with just days before the 12th anniversary of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung's death on Saturday.

The official said the five missiles were all fired toward the East Sea without a concrete target and is therefore seen as a test launch rather than an attack-related move.