The present invention relates to a wireless communication system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for acquiring time synchronization in a wireless communication system, and to an apparatus for the method, wherein the method comprises the steps of: obtaining information on a discontinuous transmission pattern of a synchronous channel; attempting detection of a synchronous channel of a base station; and, if said detection fails, continuously attempting detection of the synchronous channel of the base station during a predetermined time period. If the base station is of a first type, said predetermined time period is set to be the same as or longer than the time period in which the synchronous channel is continuously not transmitted in said discontinuous transmission pattern. If the base station is of a second type, said predetermined time period is set to be the same as or longer than the time period in which the synchronous channel is continuously transmitted in said discontinuous transmission pattern.