Team Melli retained top spot of Group A after the draw in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium.
Korea Republic looked set to claim its first ever away win at the Azadi Stadium when Son Heung-min put the team ahead three minutes after half-time, but a stirring fightback and Alireza Jahanbakhsh’s towering header in the 76th minute gave the host a share of the spoils.
The result ends Iran’s 10-game winning streak under head coach Dragan Skocic, but keeps it clear on top of the group on 10 points from four matches, while Paulo Bento’s side remains two adrift after four of 10 Final Round matches.
The top two teams will directly qualify for the 2020 World Cup.
Iran will play Lebanon and Syria in the November window while Korea face United Arab Emirates and Iraq.