It borders Muju County, North Jeolla Province (Jeollabuk-do), which is famous for its ski resort nearby.

The old Geumsan-gun was in Baekje Age called Jinnae-gun or Jinnaeeul-gun, and after Silla unified Three Kingdoms of Korea, its name was changed to Jinye-gun during the reign of King Gyeongdeok.

In 1305 (Goryeo King Chungnyeol 31st year) it was promoted to Geumju-gun, including 5 hyeons, Buri-hyeon, Cheonggeo-hyeon, Mupung-hyeon, Jindong-hyeon, with Geumju governor to govern it.

It first consisted of 10 myeons: Geumsanmyeon, Geumseong-myeon, Jewon-myeon, Buri-myeon, Gunbuk-myeon, Namil-myeon, Nami-myeon, Jinsan-myeon, Boksu-myeon, and Chubu-myeon.

However, on November 1 of 1940, according to Ordinance 221st, Geumsan-myeon was promoted to Geumsan-eub, thus making one eub and nine myeons.

There is also the Chilbak Gun, a tomb of 700 soldiers, including Cho Heon, a medical officer, and Yeongyu, a captain, who were martyred during the Imjin War (Battle of Geumsan).