A plasma display apparatus and manufacturing method. The plasma display apparatus includes a front substrate and a rear substrate. The rear substrate is formed of a metallic substance in which a plurality of grooves are formed on a surface facing the front substrate. An oxidation layer covers at least the surface facing the front substrate. A plurality of barrier ribs are located between the front and rear substrates and define a plurality of discharge cells corresponding to the grooves of the rear substrate. A plurality of discharge electrodes are located in the barrier ribs, surround at least portions of the discharge cells, and are separated from one another. A plurality of fluorescent substances are located in the grooves of the rear substrate. A discharge gas is filled in the discharge cells.