"The only things North Korea can gain from these provocations are economic isolation and economic difficulties," the president was quoted as saying in the first National Security Council meeting he chaired since his inauguration.

"They will lose their opportunities for development," he added, according to Park Soo-hyun, a spokesman for the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.

Moon has repeatedly emphasized the need to use dialogue, as well as sanctions or any other means necessary, to rid North Korea of its nuclear ambitions, also offering to resume the country's economic cooperation for the impoverished North in exchange.

"I declare that our government will never back down or make concessions when it comes to our national security and the safety of our people," he was quoted as saying.

The president also ordered the military to "maintain a readiness to counter any armed provocation from the North," according to the Cheong Wa Dae spokesman.

"I ask the military to work and secure key self-defense capabilities to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats while maintaining a strong defense posture of the joint Korea-US forces," he said.

He also stressed a need to find what he calls a fundamental solution to the North's repeated provocations.

"I wish the foreign and defense ministries will work with our allies, including the United States, to have the international community and the UN Security Council sternly deal with the North's provocations," he said.

"Also, I ask you all to share your wisdom in finding ways to induce changes in North Korea's stance and ultimately lead to a complete denuclearization of the North," the president added. (Yonhap)