It was originally part of North P'yŏngan province, but was annexed to Chagang in 1954.

The climate is continental, with cold winters and an average annual temperature of 6 °C.

There is little valley land, so rice is not grown; however, orchards are cultivated and livestock raised.

In addition, dry-field crops include soybeans, maize, and potatoes.

[2] Wiwŏn County is divided into 1 ŭp (town), 2 rodongjagu (workers' districts) and 20 ri (villages):