It is bordered to the north by T'aech'ŏn, to the east and southeast by Nyŏngbyŏn, and to the west by Unjŏn counties.

Pakch'ŏn's terrain is dominated by rolling hills and plains, with few points exceeding 300 m above sea level.

Pakch'ŏn is a center of rice production; other crops include maize, soybeans, barley, and wheat.

Livestock are also raised, and the county leads North Py'ŏngan in the area devoted to orchards.

The temple of Simwonsa in Sangyang-ri is designated North Korean national treasure 21.