The objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability of SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model for runoff estimation in the Nam river dam watershed. Input data for the SWAT model were established using spatial data (land use, soil, digital elevation map) and weather data. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated using observed runoff data from 2003 to 2014 for three stations (Sancheong, Shinan, Changchon) within the study watershed. The R2 (Determination Coefficient), RMSE (Root Mean Square Error), NSE (Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient), and RMAE (Relative Mean Absolute Error) were used to evaluate the model performance. Parameters for runoff calibration were selected based on user’s manual and references and trial and error method was applied for parameter calibration. Calibration results showed that annual mean runoff were within ±5 % error compared to observed. R2 were ranged 0.64 ~ 0.75, RMSE were 2.51 ~ 4.97 mm/day, NSE were 0.48 ~ 0.65, and RMAE were 0.34 ~ 0.63 mm/day for daily runoff, respectively. The runoff comparison for three stations showed that annual runoff was higher in Changchon especially summer and winter seasons. The flow exceedance graph showed that Sancheong and Shinan stations were similar while Changchon was higher in entire fraction.
