A memory controller controls a memory device including a memory cell array, and includes: a message information generator configured to receive a first request message from a host, and generate and output response characteristic information indicating a type of the first request message that defines a response time within which a message response to the first request message is provided to the host and a response output controller configured to determine, based on the response characteristic information, a time at which the message response corresponding to the first request message is output to the host.