One in five new bacteria found last year was discovered by Korean scientists.

The Science and Technology Ministry said Wednesday that Korea remains the world leader in finding new bacteria. It said that domestic scientists discovered one-hundred-seven, or 20 percent, of 547 bacteria newly registered in publications by the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.

Korea has also become the first country to register more than a hundred new bacteria, emerging as a powerhouse in microbiology.

Bacteria discovered by Korean scientists are now called by Korean names such as Donghae, Gaetbeol or Dokdo.