Recently, as large constructions on the coast increase, an application of a surface layer stabilization method which is one of the improvement methods for dredged soft clay has increased. However, there are few studies about this. The purpose of this study is clarifying characteristics of ultra-soft marine clay and hardening agent. Also, it is verifying an optimal mixture ratio of hardening agent through the laboratory tests according to designed experiments and proving by statistical analysis and pilot tests. Laboratory tests were performed with proper hardening agent and test soil in accordance with the design of experiments. Regression equations between hardening agents materials and unconfined compressive strength were derived from the tests. The applicability of regression equations were also verified by pilot tests. From the test results, it was found that hardening agent materials(cement, slag, fly-ash, inorganic salts, arwin, gypsum etc.) have some effect upon compressive strength. The optimal mixture ratio which satisfies the required compressive strength was derived from the statistical analysis. The effect of ground improvement by cements and hardening agents was confirmed through the pilot tests. This study will suggest data for design or construction criteria of stabilization of surface layer on ultra-soft marine clay.