South Korea has decided to respond sternly to North Korea’s firing of artillery into the Yellow Sea, calling it “a clear provocation.”

The decision came at a meeting of top national security officials held at the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae on Wednesday.

A presidential spokesman said that the government will be stern yet calm in its response in order not to provoke the North since there was no direct exchange of gunfire.

The security meeting also decided to monitor the situation closely for any additional unusual behavior by the North.

The office also reported the situation to President Lee Myung-bak, who is now currently on route to Switzerland after wrapping up a trip to India. Lee has reportedly ordered the military to remain on heightened alert.