The USS Columbia arrives at the naval base in Busan, Nov. 11. Yonhap

A U.S. nuclear-powered submarine has arrived at a major southeastern naval base Monday to replenish supplies and provide rest for crew members, South Korea's Navy said.

The 6,000-ton USS Columbia entered the naval base in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, earlier in the day, according to the Navy.

The Navy said it plans to conduct friendly exchange activities with the crew members of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine during their stay in the country, as part of efforts to bolster the combined defense posture between the allies' naval forces.

The U.S. submarine's arrival came amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula following North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile last month and continued sending of trash-carrying balloons across the border.

It also came around two months after the Virginia-class attack submarine USS Vermont visited Busan for replenishment purposes in September. (Yonhap)