A method and apparatus for reducing power consumption in a mobile device of a wireless communication system when discovering a central node is provided. The method for operating of a terminal for discovering at least one central node in a wireless communication system includes: generating a probe request signal and transmitting the probe request signal to at least one central node; after transmitting the probe request signal, switching from a normal mode to a low power mode and driving the terminal in the low power mode; in response to a mode switch instruction signal being received from the central node, switching the terminal from the low power mode to the normal mode; and receiving a probe response signal to the probe request signal from the central node in the normal mode.