Zeolites were synthesized using Gochang loess, which is found abundantly in Gochang province, Korea. Because Gochang loess contains large amounts of silica and alumina, ca. 80 wt%, the zeolitic conversion of the loess was performed using hydrothermal synthesis in alkaline conditions. Experimental parameters, such as the reaction temperature, alkali concentration, and reaction time were controlled to determine the best zeolite synthesis conditions. Na-Pl zeolite, hydroxy sodalite, analcime, and cancrinite phases were identified under various experimental conditions. Na-Pl zeolite, which was observed under a limited temperature and alkali concentration range, exhibited a higher cation exchange capacity (CEC) and heavy metal removal selectivity than did the zeolite produced from coal fly ash. The results showed that the serpentine group, the major clay component of Gochang loess, could be easily converted into the zeolite phase.