The first real chance of the second half ended up in the back of the net as Bradley headed Price's cross towards goal, which Pereira got a touch on but he could only push it into his own net.
Ruairi McConville, on his first start, headed over from a corner as Northern Ireland had the wind in their sails and their confidence in attack was on display again when when Bradley touched Price's cross narrowly wide from close range.
However, there was a twist to come when Korac slid the ball into the net off goalkeeper Charles, who conceded for the first time in a Northern Ireland shirt.
Northern Ireland were stunned three minutes later when Rodrigues fired into the top corner after bringing the ball down in the area to set up a tetchy final 15 minutes.
Ethan Galbraith let fly from the edge of the area as the visitors halted the momentum but substitute goalkeeper Ralph Schon pulled off a strong save.
Bradley fired a dangerous low cross across the face of goal but no one was in the area to capitalise, but Northern Ireland held on to earn the point required.
Their cause was helped by Belarus drawing 1-1 with Bulgaria, which meant even a defeat would have kept Northern Ireland top of the group.
The result not only earns promotion to League B, but it also keeps open the possibility of a play-off for the 2026 World Cup.
After the traditional World Cup qualifying campaign has come to a conclusion, the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners who did not finish in first or second place in their group will be awarded one of four additional play-off positions.
Of course, the most simple route for O'Neill's youthful side is to get the job done by finishing in the top two in their qualifying group, but it will be nice for Northern Ireland to have that back-up option should it be required.
The draw for World Cup qualifying takes place on Friday, 13 December.
