The county's terrain is mountainous in the north, but gradually more level towards the south.

The Masingryong Mountains pass through the county; the highest point of which is the 1,360-metre (4,460 ft) Taehwang Peak (대왕덕산).

Ch'ŏrwŏn county is divided into 1 ŭp (town) and 36 ri (villages): The chief local industry is agriculture.

The county is host to deposits of coal, iron ore, magnetite, and manganese.

The county is not connected to the national rail grid, but is served by roads.