The prime minister could convene a meeting of the National Security Council to deal with North Korea's possible provocations during President Park Geun-hye's overseas trip next week, an official said Friday.

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn could hold a meeting “at anytime if needed,” presidential spokesman Jeong Yeon-guk told reporters.

His comments came amid speculation that North Korea could carry out a fifth nuclear test to mark a rare congress of the ruling Workers' Party early next month.

Park has repeatedly warned that North Korea's provocations could hasten its collapse.

The president is set to make a four-day trip to Tehran on Sunday as part of South Korea's efforts to boost ties and tap into business opportunities in Iran following the lifting of international sanctions earlier this year. (Yonhap)