It was formed after the division of Korea from portions of Kimhyŏnggwŏn (then P'ungsan) and Kapsan counties.

Lying atop the southern portion of the Kaema Plateau, P'ungsŏ is heavily mountainous.

P'ungsŏ Lake, an artificial reservoir, lies in the middle of the county.

However, some amounts of maize, potatoes, and wheat are produced on dry-field farms; livestock are also raised.

The Nŭnggwi River and P'ungsŏ Lake are used to transport raw lumber downstream.