A burst-mode optical receiver and a timing control method are provided. The receiver receiving the burst-mode optical signal includes a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) for receiving a single current information signal and converting the single current information signal into a single voltage signal, a differential signal converter for converting the single voltage signal, received from the TIA, into differential signals, and an automatic offset control limiting amplifier (AOC-LA) for automatically controlling and amplifying an offset of the differential signals. The receiver further includes a gain controller for generating a gain value control signal based on an intensity of a burst packet of the single voltage signal to control a gain value of the TIA, and a burst detector for receiving the differential signals, detecting burst packets, and generating a burst detection signal for the start timing of each of the burst packets.