Method and apparatus for playing video data

The present invention provides a method and device for playing video data. The method according to the present invention comprises the processes of storing a received video file in a storing format when receiving the video file, extracting video data encoded from the stored video file and video data attribute information including location information of sample allowing a time hierarchical approach to the video file, extracting samples corresponding to a basic time hierarchy and samples corresponding to an extended time hierarchy after the corresponding sample based on the location information of sample allowing the time hierarchical approach and restoring the extracted samples to be played.