In one example embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a light emitting structure including a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer. The second conductivity-type semiconductor layer and the active layer having at least one contact hole exposing a region of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer. The semiconductor light emitting device further includes at least one columnar structure disposed in the exposed region of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer within the at least one contact hole. The semiconductor light emitting device further includes a first electrode disposed on the exposed region of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer in which the at least one columnar structure is disposed, the first electrode being connected to the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer. The semiconductor light emitting device further includes a second electrode connected to the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer.