PURPOSES: This study aims to develop a repair material that can enhance pavement performance, inducing rapid traffic opening through early strength development and fast setting time by utilizing MgO-based patching materials for repairing road pavements. METHODS : To consider the applicability of MgO-based patching materials for repairing domestic road pavements, first, strength development and setting time of the materials were evaluated, based on MgO to KH2PO4 ratio, water to binder ratio, and addition ratio of retarder (Borax), by which the optimal mixture ratio of the developed material was obtained. To validate the performance of the developed material as a repair material, the strength(compressive strength and bonding strength) and durability (freezing, thawing, and chloride ion penetration resistance) was checked through testing, and its applicability was evaluated. RESULTS : The results showed that when an MgO-based patching material was used, the condensation time was reduced by 80%, and the compressive strength was enhanced by approximately 300%, as compared to existing cement-based repair materials. In addition, it was observed that the strength (compressive strength and bonding strength) and durability (freezing and thawing, and chloride ion penetration resistance) showed an excellent performance that satisfied the regulations. CONCLUSIONS : The results imply that an emergent repair/restoration could be covered by a rapid-hardening cement to meet the traffic limitation (i.e. the traffic restriction is only several hours for repair treatment). Furthermore, MgO-based patching materials can improve bonding strength and durability compared to existing repair materials.