Disclosed are a method for SDN based network management and an apparatus performing the same. A method for network management, performed in a central control apparatus, may comprise receiving a path request message indicating a request to configure a path from a terminal; generating path list information including information about at least one configurable path, and providing the terminal with the path list information; receiving information about a specific path selected in the path list information from the terminal; and transmitting information about at least one detail function included in each of at least one node constituting the selected specific path to the terminal. Therefore, a path optimized for user's requirements may be easily configured, and so service quality may be enhanced.