The highest point is Kosŏngsan (Chosŏn'gŭl: 고성산, Hancha: 姑城山), 1,754 meters above sea level.

Rare mammals inhabit the area, including the marten, brown bear, and Amur leopard.

Puryŏng County is divided into 1 ŭp (town), 3 rodongjagu (workers' districts) and 5 ri (villages): The local economy is dominated by metalworking, mining, and electric power.

Puryŏng lies on the Hambuk and Musan lines of the Korean State Railway, and is also served by roads.

Puryŏng was one of the six post/garrisons (Korean: 육진; Hancha: 六鎭) established under the order of Sejong the Great of Chosŏn (1418–1450) to safeguard his people from the hostile Chinese and Manchurian nomads living in Manchuria.