In this file photo dated Nov 5, 2022 and provided by South Korean Defense Ministry, two US Air Force B-1B bombers (top center), four South Korean Air Force F-35 fighter jets and four US Air Force F-16 fighter jets fly over South Korea Peninsula during a joint air drill called "Vigilant Storm," in South Korea. (PHOTO / AP)

SEOUL - A US F-16 fighter jet crashed in South Korea on Monday while on a routine training flight and the pilot was rescued after ejecting when the aircraft experienced an "in-flight emergency," the US Air Force unit stationed in the country said.

The pilot was rescued in the Yellow Sea by the South Korean coast guard and returned to the Kunsan Air Base, the 8th Fighter Wing said in a statement.

The cause of the emergency was being investigated, it said.

The unit commander, Colonel Matthew Gaetke, said he was grateful for the pilot's recovery and that he was in good condition, according to the statement.

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The air base located in the South Korean west coast city of Gunsan is one of the two main air bases used by the US military in the country.