A method for manufacturing an LCD device includes preparing first and second substrates and dispensing liquid crystal on the first substrate. A plurality of column spacers are formed on the second substrate, and a seal pattern is formed on the second substrate. The second substrate is inversed and the first and second substrates are bonded to each other to form an LCD panel having a first height (h1) corresponding to a cell gap between the first and second substrates. Pressure is applied to the rear surfaces of the first or second substrates so as to change the cell gap to a second height (h2) smaller than the first height (h2