The BRAF^V600E mutation is the most common genetic alteration and presents in 40~80% of all papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), showing the highest prevalence in the Korean population, close to 80%. Previous studies published in the past 10 years showed a significant correlation between BRAF^V600E mutation and poor prognostic outcomes of PTC, including recurrence and mortality. Therefore, its clinical application for the diagnosis of thyroid nodule or for decisions regarding the management policy by prediction of the prognosis of thyroid cancer has been proposed. However, some recent studies have reported conflict results, and there appear to be growing concerns regard to the cost-benefit of tests for detection of the BRAF^V600E mutation. In this paper, we reviewed previous studies regarding the BRAF^V600E mutation and attempted to evaluate the clinical implication of the BRAF^V600E mutation in clinical practice.