The present invention relates to a technology for a sensor network, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and the Internet of things (IoT). The present invention may be utilized for an intelligent service (smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, retail business, security and safety-related service, etc.) on the basis of the technology. The present invention relates to a communication method and apparatus for a wearable device in a wireless communication system. The communication method of the present invention comprises the steps of: linking the wearable device to a user terminal located in a short range within which communication with the wearable device is possible, in order to communicate with the user terminal; and when the wearable device is operating in a power-saving mode, receiving, through the user terminal, data of the wearable device, which is transmitted on the basis of coupling information between the user terminal and the wearable device in a network.