Provided are a method and apparatus for displaying application program (AP) menu. The method includes creating an AP menu, for selecting at least one AP, by using data for the at least one AP; and displaying the AP menu in a predetermined area of the image display unit. The AP menu includes an initial menu that displays a plurality of icons for the at least one AP in the same predetermined area, and, if one of the plurality of icons is selected a corresponding AP is executed and displayed in the same predetermined area, or a lower level menu is displayed in the same predetermined area.