Formerly known as T'oejo (퇴조), it was named in 1982 after Ragwŏn, paradise.

The coastal area includes the islands such as Chonchodo (전초도) and Chintudo (진두도).

Ragwŏn county is divided into 1 ŭp (town), 1 rodongjagu (workers' district) and 11 ri (villages): The local economy is centered on fishing.

The processing of marine goods is also a developed local business.

Ragwŏn county is served by the P'yŏngra line of the Korean State Railway.