This study was conducted to derive optimal design floods by generalized gamma distribution model of the annual maximum series at eight watersheds along Geum, Yeongsan and Seomjin river systems. Design floods obtained by different methods for evaluation of parameters and for plotting positions in the generalized gamma distribution model were compared by the relative mean errors and graphical fit along with 95% confidence limits plotted on gamma probability paper. The results were analyzed and summarized as follows. 1. Basic statistics and parameters were calculated by the generalized gamma distribution model using different methods for parameters. 2. Design floods according to the return periods were obtained by different methods for evaluation of parameters and for plotting positions in the generalized gamma distribution model. 3. It was found that design floods derived by sundry averages method for parameters and Cunnane method for plotting position in the generalized gamma distribution are much closer to those of the observed data in comparison with those obtained by the other methods for parameters and for plotting positions from the viewpoint of relative mean errors. 4. Reliability of design floods derived by sundry averages method in the generalized gamma distribution was acknowledged within 95% confidence interval.