An apparatus and method for providing a graphic user interface which is used in a display device operated by a remote controller are provided. A graphic user interface screen includes a main information display area for displaying main information in the form in which a plurality of main elements are recursively disposed and a sub-information display area for displaying sub-information including supplementary information according to information provided on the main information display area. At least one sub-element included in a main element is operated by a direction selection signal which indicates a direction perpendicular to a disposition direction of the main elements.