Hydrological models with many parameters and complex model structures require a
powerful and detailed model calibration/validation scheme. In this study, we proposed a
multi-variable and multi-site calibration and validation framework for the Soil Water
Assessment Tool (SWAT) model applied in the Gap-cheon catchment located downstream of
the Geum river basin. The sensitivity analysis conducted before main calibration helped
understand various hydrological processes and the characteristics of subcatchments by
identifying sensitive parameters in the model. In addition, the model′s parameters
were estimated based on existing data prior to calibration in order to increase the
validity of model. The Nash-Sutcliffe coefficients and correlation coefficient were
used to estimate compare model output with the observed streamflow data: Rеff and
R²ranged 0.41-0.84 and 0.50-0.86, respectively, at the Heuduck station. Model
reproduced baseflow estimated using recursive digital filter except for 2-5 percent
overestimation at the Sindae and Boksu stations. Model also reproduced the temporal
variability and fluctuation magnitude of observed groundwater levels with R²of 0.71
except for certain periods. Therefore, it was concluded that use of multi-variable and
multi-site method provided high confidence for the structure and estimated parameter
values of the model.