A light emitting device includes a lower semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; an optical emission layer formed on said lower semiconductor layer; an upper semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type opposite to said first conductivity type, said upper semiconductor layer being formed on said optical emission layer; a lower side electrode electrically connected to said lower semiconductor layer; and an upper side electrode electrically connected to said upper semiconductor layer, wherein said upper side electrode is formed on said upper semiconductor layer, and said upper semiconductor layer has a mesh pattern defining a plurality of sections each surrounded by said upper side electrode, and wherein at least one dent is disposed in at least one of said sections, said dent having a bottom reaching at least an upper surface of said lower semiconductor layer and having an opening with an upper edge spaced apart from said upper side electrode.