South Korea announced Friday that it has requested civilians to evacuate Yeonpyeong Island after the North Korean military fired about 200 artillery shells off the west coast of North Korea.

An official from the Ministry of Defense in Seoul stated during a press conference that "North Korea fired around 200 shells (near) Yeonpyeong Island."

Local officials in Yeonpyeong stated that authorities have asked civilians to evacuate the island, located approximately ten kilometers from North Korea, indicating that this is "a precautionary measure."

Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea is situated in the Yellow Sea, about 80 kilometers west of Incheon and 12 kilometers south of the coast of Hwanghae Province in North Korea.

South Korean authorities also requested residents of Bangyungdo Island to evacuate, according to local officials.

A local official on the island stated, "We are currently issuing evacuation announcements to residents," noting that they were informed that the South Korean army plans to commence naval exercises soon.

South Korea considered the artillery shots fired by North Korea near the two border islands as a "provocative act that must be stopped," warning that it will take "appropriate measures" in response.