Ancient times The region was under the dominion of the kingdom of OKjeo, which formed its southern regions. In 56 it was incorporated into the kingdom of Goguryeo, and during the rule of Goguryeo the region was called Jangryongjin, Dangmun, or Bakpyong County. The region was administered under the Namgyongnamhae department under Balhae.
Medieval times After the fall of Balhae, the region was roamed by the Jurchens, until they were reincorporated into the kingdom of Goryeo in 920. The region was renamed as Hwaju, and fortresses were constructed including the famous
Cheolli Jangseong. The region went under the control of
Ssangseong Prefectures, after Goryeo was defeated by the Yuan dynasty.
Japanese occupation The regions that forms modern day Yodok County today, were administered under Yonghung County (formed as a result of a subdivision change in 1895) as follows,
Sonhungmyon Sonhungmyon was a myon that was originally known as Sondokmyon in 1907, was named as Sonhung in 1910.The region was mountainous and known for growing potatoes, beans and
Foxtail millets, and was known for grazing cows and the production of timber. A branch of the Yonghung river called the Bulryusu was a river known to be a ritual site for kings and housed the Jinjung temple where an oral story of a buddhist monk exists. It also had ruins of a fortress called Pyongchonsansong.
Yodokmyon Yodokmyon was a myon known for weaving textiles made from cannabis. It had the Yodokjin and Wolwangryong peak.
Hwengchonmyon Hwengchonmyon hosted an ancient fortress ruin called Gocholongsongji. It also was known for its market of livestock.
After liberation of Northern Korea The county was part of Yonghung County, until 1952. The county was formed from Sonhungmyon, Yodokmyon and 23 ris that were part of Hwengchonmyon, which was part of Yonghung County. ==Natural geography==