Abstract The need for integrated reservoir system operation become more intense as the demands from the system increase. A deterministic, three-dimensional discrete incremental dynamic programming approach is presented to derive reservoirs system operational planning strategies. The developed H3DP model optimizes the monthly operation of the Hwachon and Soyang Projects on the North Han river and Chungju Main Project on the South Han river. By using the H3DP model, Hwachon project was reevaluated as a component of the upstream multipurpose storage reservoirs in the basin based on 1993 hydrology. This case study demonstrates the practical use of the developed model for the basin multi-reservoir system operation in an integrated, multipurpose fashion.