Prior to June 30, 2023, Gunwi County was part of the North Gyeongsang Province.

As per legislation promulgated on January 3, 2023, the county was incorporated into Daegu Metropolitan City in July 1, 2023.

Incorporation into Daegu was made as per Gunwi County's demand in exchange for allowing Daegu International Airport to be moved to Sobo-myeon, Gunwi County.

Gunwi County is divided into 1 eup and 7 myeon.

Gunwi has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dwa), but can be considered a borderline humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cwa) using the −3 °C (27 °F) isotherm.