The present description relates to a robot cleaner and to a method for controlling the same, which involve generating a map of an area to be cleaned in accordance with a travel mode command, and performing a cleaning operation by avoiding obstacles on the basis of the generated map upon receipt of a cleaning mode command. For this purpose, the robot cleaner of the present invention comprises: a travel unit which travels around the area to be cleaned upon receipt of the travel mode command; a detection unit which detects an object located in the area to be cleaned during travel performed in accordance with the travel mode command; and a control unit which generates a map of an area to be cleaned on the basis of the information on the location of an obstacle, if the detected object is the obstacle, and controls a cleaning operation on the basis of the generated map upon receipt of a cleaning mode command.