In this study, n-GaN samples were etched using planar inductively coupled $Cl_2$/$H_2$plasmas and the effects of plasma conditions on the etch properties, surface composition, and ohmic contact formation were investigated as a function of gas combination. As the addition of hydrogen to the $Cl_2$plasma increased to 100%, GaN etch rates decreased due to the reduction of chlorine radical density. Even though the variation of the surface composition is limited under $50AA$, the surface composition was also changed from Ga-rich to N-rich with the increased addition of hydrogen to $Cl_2$. Etch products by the reaction between Ga in GaN and Cl in $Cl_2$ plasma were investigated using OES analysis during the GaN etching. The value of specific resistivity of the contact formed on the n-GaN etched using 100% $Cl_2$plasma was 3.1$ imes$10ulcorner$Omega$$ extrm{cm}^2$, and which was lower than that formed on the non-etched n-GaN. However, the resistively was increased with the increased hydrogen percent in $Cl_2$/$H_2$.