To the east it is bounded by Yeongyang and Uljin counties, to the south by Andong, and to the west by Yeongju.

The Yeongdong Line, which is not known for its speed, stops at a total of 13 stations as it winds through Bonghwa, before ambling north into the next province.

The county is also the setting of the 2008 documentary film Old Partner, which has won numerous awards for its portrayal of rural life.

Bonghwa is divided into ten primary divisions: one eup (large village) and nine rural districts (myeon).

Bonghwa has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Köppen: Dwa) with cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers.