Formerly known as Huch'ang County, it was renamed in 1988 in honour of Kim Hyŏng-jik, the leader of the anti-Japanese liberation movement of Korea.

Iron, gold, silver, copper, tungsten, graphite and nickel deposits are found in the county.

Red pepper, corn, beans, potatoes, rice and flax are mainly produced.

[5] The Huchang Mine No.4 power station started to be built on 25 July 2021 and was completed on 23 September 2021.

[7] The Pukbunaeryuk Line of the Korean State Railway and various roads serve the county.