A light emitting element and a display device including the same are provided. The light emitting element includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, and an active layer between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a protective layer surrounding an outer surface of at least one of the first semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor layer, and the active layer, and an insulating layer surrounding an outer surface of the protective layer. A surface of at least one of the first semiconductor layer, the second semiconductor layer, and the active layer includes a first lattice point, wherein the protective layer includes a first atom and a second atom, and wherein the first atom of the protective layer is at the first lattice point.