North Korea fired a ground-to-ship missile into the Sea of Japan on Monday -- the second such launch in two weeks -- in what appeared to be further provocation aimed at gaining Washington's attention.

According to the Defense Agency, the missile was launched shortly past noon from Sinsang-ri, on North Korea's northeastern coast. It was not a ballistic missile capable of reaching Japan, the agency said.

Although Japan has not confirmed the specific type of weapon, media reports quoted the South Korean government as saying it was a Silkworm -- the same as the type launched Feb. 24.