In pattern recognition field, there are many optimization problems having exponential search spaces. To solve of sequential search algorithms seeking sub-optimal solutions have been used. The algorithms have limitations of stopping at local optimums. Recently lots of researches attempt to solve the problems using genetic algorithms. This paper explains the huge search spaces of typical problems such as feature selection, classifier ensemble selection, neural network pruning, and clustering, and it reviews the genetic algorithms for solving them. Additionally we present several subjects worthy of noting as future researches.