Method and apparatus for reducing current consumption by memory refresh operation control

A method and apparatus for reducing current consumption by employing a memory refresh operation is provided. The method employs a refresh operation in an apparatus including a memory in which a partial refresh operation is performed. The method includes classifying data loaded in the memory into first data and second data, dividing the memory into a first area and a second area when an attempt to access the first data is not detected during a preset time, separately arranging the first data and the second data in the first area and the second area, respectively, performing a refresh operation in the second area at a preset time in order to retain data, and loading the first data into the memory when the attempt to access the first data is detected.