Provided are 
quantum dots having a gradual composition gradient shell structure which have an improvedluminous efficiency and 
optical stability, and a method of manufacturing the 
quantum dots in a short amount of time at low cost. In the method, the 
quantum dots can be manufactured in a short amount of time at low cost using a reactivity difference between 
semiconductor precursors, unlike in uneconomical and inefficient conventional methods where shells areformed after forming cores and performing cleaning and redispersion processes. Also, formation of the cores is followed by formation of shells having a composition gradient. Thus, even if the shells are formed to a large thickness, the 
lattice mismatch between cores and shells is relieved. Furthermore, on the basis of the funneling concept, electrons and holes generated in the shells are transferred to the cores to emit light, thereby obtaining a high luminous efficiency of 80% or more. The 
quantum dot structure is not limited to 
Group II-IV 
semiconductor quantum dots but can be applied to other semiconductors quantum dots, such as Group III-V semiconductors quantum dots and Group IV-IV semiconductors quantum dots. Also, the manufacturing method can be utilized in the development of 
semiconductor quantum dots having different physical properties, and in various other fields.