Prior to the division of Korea, it was part of Chosan county.

The Kangnam and Chogyuryong (적유령산맥) ranges pass through the county.

Kop'ung County is divided into 1 ŭp (town) and 12 ri (villages): The chief local industry is agriculture, centered on dry-field farming.

Crops include maize, soybeans, wheat, barley, radishes, cabbage, gochu peppers, and cucumbers.

There are deposits of iron, gold, copper, lead, zinc, tungsten, graphite, coal, and limestone, among other minerals.