Two first half penalties were the only goals in a game of wasted chances from both teams, as Amajimbos won their first ever point at a FIFA World Cup finals.
Thendo Mukumela opened the scoring in the 10th minute from the penalty spot, after Ri Kuk Hyong was sent off for bringing down Lubuyo Mkatshana inside the area.
The lead, however, lasted just seven minutes before Katlego Mohamme recklessly shoved a Korea DPR striker in the back inside the box.
Kim Wi Song then stepped up to bury the spot-kick and levelled matters in the 17th minute.
Both teams had numerous chances to add to the scoresheet, however, the final passes lacked as long-range efforts went wayward on either end of the pitch.
In the second half, the Asians made it look like they had a one-man advantage as they surged forward and broke through the Amajimbos backline with relative ease, but lacked the finishing prowess to make it count.
Choe Song Hyok should have made it 2-1 to Korea DPR in the 57th minute, but the striker's great run ended off with a shot that went inches wide of Mondli Mpoto's goal.
In the 73rd minute it was Han Kwang Song who has a clear sight of goal, but he the attacker ballooned his effort over from eight yards out.
Four minutes later, Dlala unleashed an effort from just outside the box, but that too failed to trouble Ri Chol Song in the Korea DPR goal.
10 minutes before the final whistle, South Africa escaped a second succesive World Cup defeat as Kwang Song headed narrowly wide from 6-yards.
1-1 it ended as Amajimbos manged their first ever World Cup point, however, their hopes of advancing from Group E now hang by a thread as they face Russia in their final group fixture on Sunday.
Line-ups:
South Africa: Mpoto, Frosler, Mohamme, Mukumela, Nqoi (Ngcobo 84'), Dlala, Maluleke (c), Mbatha, Kodisang (Meyiwa 77'), Mkhatshana, Mayo
Korea DPR: Chol Song (GK), Kuk Hyon, Wi Song, Ye Bom, Yong Gwan, Jun Hyok, Kwang Song, Song Hyok, Chang Bom, Jin Nam, Song Il (c)