The area around Kilju was part of the ancient Goguryeo kingdom and was long inhabited by various Jurchen tribes.

In 1107 it was annexed by Goryeo, who gave it its current name (meaning "province of good fortune").

It borders Myŏngch'ŏn on the east, Kimch'aek and Hwadae to the south, Myŏnggan (Hwasŏng) and Ŏrang to the north.

In addition to its airport, the county is served by the Pyongra Line railway, which stops at Kilju Chongnyon Station and connects it to Pyongyang and Rason.

[2] The county is divided into one town (ŭp), five worker's districts (rodongjagu), and 22 villages (ri).