An image display device for displaying a 3-Dimensional (3D) image and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The image display device includes a user input unit configured to receive an item selection signal for some of one or more items included in a User Interface (UI) image, a control unit configured to generate a detailed image of a selection item selected by the item selection signal as a 3D image, and a display unit configured to display the detailed image. A user can select and receives an UI image or items included therein as a 3D image, and select a 2D/3D mode of the displayed UI image so as to control a sense of depth thereof. If a plurality of UI images is displayed, the image display device can display UI images on multiple layers with senses of depth.