This study is to suggest a method to estimate the design low-flow based on the runoff hydrology. The recession time model to transform a return period into the recession time is derived under the similarity between dry spell and low-flow runoffs event. The proposed recession model can be applied to the gaging station and the ungaged outlet. This recession time model contains the parameters: for climate conditions, watershed characteristics, and runoff characteristics etc. And the recession model is composed of the parameters which are initial discharge and recession constant. This model is applied to the Yongdam gaging station and the other temporary gaging station. Consequently, it is proved that this model can be used for an alternative practice to estimate the design low-flow at the gaging station with short-term runoff data or the ungaged outlet.