The alkali-activation reaction of two types of typical kaolin calcined at various lower temperatures was investigated at room temperature and at elevated temperatures. For the assessment of the reactivity, the temperature increase and the setting time of pastes prepared with calcined kaolin and sodium/potassium hydroxide solution were measured. Unlike raw kaolin, calcined kaolin samples prepared at various temperature showed an alkali-activation reaction according to the different aspects of the changes in the mineral phases. The reactivity with alkaline solutions was exceedingly activated in the samples calcined at $600-650^{circ}C$, but the reactivity gradually decreased as the temperature increased in a higher temperature range, most likely due to the changes in the crystal structure of the dehydrated kaolin. The activation effect of the calcination treatment was achieved at reaction temperatures that exceeded $60^{circ}C$ and was enhanced as the temperature increased. The reactivity of the calcined kaolin with an alkaline solution was more enhanced with the solution of a higher concentration and with a solution prepared from sodium hydroxide rather than potassium hydroxide.