Pence's talks with South Korea's acting president, Hwang Kyo-ahn, come as U.S. President Donald Trump has warned he will not tolerate provocations from North Korea and has dispatched an aircraft carrier strike group and attack submarines to the region.
The unidentified missile exploded on launch from a base on the east coast of North Korea on Sunday, American military officials said.
Trump and his military advisers have been briefed on Pyongyang's apparent failed missile launch, but have no further comment at the time, Mattis said Sunday, Sputnik reported.
So far this year, it has launched five missiles - the most recent were in response to an annual US-South Korea military exercise, Pyongyang said.
McMaster said President Donald Trump has made clear he will not allow the nuclear-armed Pyongyang regime to put the U.S. and its regional allies, led by South Korea and Japan, under threat.
The failed launch will sting in Pyongyang because it came a day after one of the biggest North Korean propaganda events of the year- celebrations of the 105th birthday of late North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, the current leader's grandfather.
That's the consensus of Mr. Trump and allies in the region like Japan, South Korea and China, McMaster said on ABC's "This Week".
North Korea is already among the most heavily sanctioned nations, facing numerous strictures to limit its ability to conduct commerce, participate in worldwide finance and trade in weapons and other contraband.
Vice President Pence and his wife, Karen, arrive in Seoul on Sunday to begin a 10-day trip to Asia.
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There were 1,500 eggs in total set up, and around over 400 children in attendance. "It's nice to come and get eggs", she said. The event was inspired to "give back to the community during the 150th year anniversary celebration of Canada", he said.
Pyongyang has also expressed anger over the ongoing annual spring military exercises the US holds with South Korea, which it considers a rehearsal for invasion.
Pence's trip to South Korea is described by his aides as a sign of U.S. commitment to its ally in the face of rising tension.
A White House foreign policy adviser told reporters aboard Air Force Two that the type of missile that North Korea tried to fire on Sunday was medium-range, and that it exploded about 4 to 5 seconds after it was launched.
Pence's first trip to South Korea will carry personal meaning as well. Park was forced from office for her alleged involvement in a multimillion dollar corruption and bribery scandal.
The South's presidential election is on May 9.
Any U.S. military action brings severe risks for U.S. ally South Korea.
"The launch of the ballistic missile occurred near Sinpo", US Pacific Command spokesman CDR Dave Benham said. In February 2012, the United States and North Korea announced an agreement in which the North would suspend operations of its Yongbyon uranium enrichment plant, allow worldwide inspectors to verify the suspension, and implement moratoriums on nuclear and long-range missile tests.
North Korea has a habit of firing off missiles to mark major political anniversaries, or as gestures of defiance to top USA officials visiting the region.
Analysts say submarines can be positioned outside of the THAAD radar field of vision that is forward looking toward the North.
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