North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles on Monday, state media reported on Tuesday, in its latest display of military capabilities amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula.

The launch came a day after Pyongyang tested cluster bomb warheads. Tensions between North Korea and South Korea have increased following a landmine blast along their heavily fortified border that wounded three South Korean soldiers.

"The middle-sized dispersal warhead tipped on the cruise missile is capable of turning into ashes a target area of 5 to 6 hectares with its highest-density power," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Tuesday.

KCNA said the test "perfected the capability to deliver a vertical strike against the target by improving the terminal manoeuvrability of the cruise missile," while "taking into consideration the natural and geographical characteristics of the targeted area."

A North Korean official said the test was conducted "because our armed forces should defend the security of the country and deter all sorts of threats."

The general director of the Missile Administration said, "Various combat functions of such a strong weapon system will help defend the DPRK from potential threats from outside and renew the military capabilities of the state."

North Korea has recently tested several weapons, including attack drones, a new precision-guided torpedo system and an intermediate-range hypersonic missile.

South Korea's military did not announce the cruise missile launch. It also remained silent about Sunday's reported cluster bomb test.

Unlike ballistic missile launches, North Korean cruise missile tests are not prohibited under United Nations Security Council sanctions.

When asked about Sunday's test, South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Jang Do-young said Seoul and Washington were "closely coordinating and conducting a highly detailed analysis of its characteristics and specifications".

"Our military does not announce all projectiles launched by North Korea," Jang said.

"Whether to make an announcement is determined through a comprehensive military assessment, taking into account the protection of surveillance and reconnaissance assets and capabilities, operational security and other factors," he added.