Disclosed herein is a nitride semiconductor light emitting device. The nitride semiconductor light emitting device comprises an n-type nitride semiconductor layer on a substrate, an active layer formed on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer so that a portion of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer is exposed, a p-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the active layer, a high-concentration dopant area on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer, a counter doping area on the high-concentration dopant areas, an n-side electrode formed on an exposed portion of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer, and a p-side electrode formed on the counter doping area. A satisfactory ohmic contact for the p-side electrode is provided by an ion implantation process and heat treatment.