A light emitting diode includes an n-type confinement layer, a quantum well active layer formed on the n-type confinement layer, a p-type confinement layer formed on the quantum well active layer, a gallium phosphide-based quantum dot structure formed in the p-type confinement layer, and a GaP-based current spreading layer formed on the GaP-based quantum dot structure. A method of manufacturing the light emitting diode is also provided.