Ports in South Korea remained open and shipping lanes were not impacted by artillery fire from North Korea, maritime agents and shipbrokers said.

North Korea fired dozens of artillery shells at the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong, setting buildings on fire and prompting a return of fire by South Korea.

"So far, we have not heard of any impact or port closures," said an agent with shipping and logistics firm GAC in Seoul. (Reuters)