Some 70 overseas Korean journalists working in 39 cities around the world gathered in Seoul Monday, for a convention.

During the five-day convention jointly organized by Yonhap News Agency and Overseas Korean Media Association (OKMA), participants will discuss the role of Korean media overseas as the nation moves to grant suffrage to Koreans living abroad. They will also devise ways to promote and strengthen the nation's global brand image.

The opening ceremony began with an opening address and the awarding of appreciation plaques. OKMA also signed an MOU with Gyeonggi Province to form a joint enterprise.

In the opening address, OKMA President Chung Rak-seok said the association with 150 member organizations around the world has become an official corporation under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

He promised his association will contribute to the development of the country through close alliance and collaboration with overseas Korean organizations and groups in Korea.