The effects of the alkali surface modification process on the adhesion strength between electroless-plated Cu and polyimide films were investigated. The polyimide surfaces were effectively modified by alkali surface treatments from the hydrophobic to the hydrophilic states, and it was confirmed by the results of the contact angle measurement. The surface roughness increased by alkali surface treatments and the adhesion strength was proportional to the surface roughness. The adhesion strength of Cu/polyimide interface treated by KOH + EDA (Ethylenediamine) was 874 gf/cm which is better than that treated by KOH and KOH + $KMnO_4$. The results of XPS spectra revealed that the alkali treatment formed oxygen functional groups such as carboxyl and amide groups on the polyimide films which is closely related to the interfacial bonding mechanism between electroless-plated Cu and polyimide films. It could be suggested that the species and contents of functional group on polyimide films, surface roughness and contact angle were related with the adhesion strength of Cu/polyimide in combination.