Which Koryo buildings are examples of the Tap'o architectural style?

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The tap'o (multibracket) style was introduced to Korea from Song China around 1300, toward the end of the Koryo period (918–1392). While it remained a minor style during the final years of the Koryo dynasty, it became the prevailing architectural form in the subsequent Choson (Yi) period.12

Notable examples of buildings constructed in the tap'o style during the second half of the 14th century include:

  • Pokwang Hall of the Simwon Temple1
  • Eungjin Hall of the Sokwang Temple1

These structures are distinguished by their decorative use of intercolumnar brackets, which fill the spaces between columns, and the inclusion of coffered ceilings to conceal structural beams. This style contrasts with the earlier chusimp'o (column-head bracketing) style, which was the traditional method for wooden structures during the Koryo period.21