With North Korea refusing to allow the South to play their national anthem and fly their national flag had the game taken place in Pyongyang, the venue was again switched to Shanghai where the two sides had played out a goalless draw in the previous stage.

Having opened their account with a 2-1 win in the UAE on Saturday, North Korea took the lead after 64 minutes when Hong Yong-jo converted from the spot.

But Ki Seung-yueng volleyed home from the edge of the area five minutes later to see the South open their campaign with a draw.

The best chance of a low-key first half fell to North Korea. Mun In-guk found space down the left following some neat approach play but the midfielder's low cross was blasted high over the bar from 12 yards by Hong.

Kim Jong-hun's side had another excellent chance to break the deadlock just after the hour mark when Mun latched onto a ball over the top down the right but fired wide when attempting to beat goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong low at his near post.

They did take the lead after 64 minutes, though, when South Korea skipper Kim Nam-il conceded a penalty for pulling back Jong Tae-se in the box as the pair jumped for a high ball.

Hong kept his cool to find the top corner beyond the diving Jung.

However, South Korea levelled in the 69th minute almost out of nothing.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Kim Do-heon clipped a long ball forward that Ki Sung controlled on his chest before the FC Seoul midfielder swivelled and volleyed into the bottom corner.