Apparatus and method for optimizing data-path in mobile communication network

A method for optimizing a data-path by a source base station (BS) in a mobile communication network includes checking whether a tunnel between new BSs is set up while tracking a data-flow for a mobile station (MS); checking whether there is a bounce-back if it is checked that the tunnel between the new BSs is set up; detecting a root of the bounce-back with the other end of the bounce-back and transmitting a control signal for setting up a short-cut tunnel if there is the bounce-back; and receiving bounce-back root information indicating the root of the bounce-back from the other end of the bounce-back.